ANAHEIM, Calif. — The Boston Red Sox dropped a 9-5 decision to the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday, marked by Walker Buehler’s shaky pitching performance and the ejection of manager Alex Cora during the fifth inning. Cora was thrown out in frustration for the second consecutive game after disputing an obstruction ruling involving Angels’ second baseman Christian Moore.
Trailing 5-4 in the fifth, the Red Sox appeared poised to rally when Jarren Duran doubled with no outs. After Abraham Toro grounded to shortstop, Duran hesitated running toward third and was caught in a rundown. Moore tagged Duran out and promptly threw to third, where Luis Rengifo was covering the base. Rengifo then tagged Toro as he tried to advance, eliminating two runners on the same play.
Cora argued vehemently that Rengifo blocked the base with his knee, an action that would constitute obstruction under Major League Baseball rules. However, umpire Alan Porter ruled the outs valid and ejected Cora after a prolonged dispute. This marked the second time in recent history Porter had ejected Cora over a similar obstruction call involving base runners and fielders impeding their path.
Details Behind the Contested Obstruction Calls
This obstruction debate echoes a previous incident on September 22 of last year during a game against Minnesota, when Cora protested another obstruction ruling involving Boston pitcher Nick Pivetta and Twins’ base runners. In that case, second baseman Vaughn Grissom blocked Byron Buxton’s path to second with his knee, and after arguing, umpires sided with Minnesota and awarded Buxton third base.
“Our point of view was that he was blocking the bag,” Cora said regarding the latest play. I guess the rule is if he’s going to be out easy, they can do that. But we had a similar situation last year with the same (umpiring) crew … and Alan reversed the call.
That was the whole point
I was trying to make — it happened six months ago, the same situation, and it was reversed. Maybe he’s right, you know, if he was going to be safe, but I wanted to make sure.
According to MLB Rule 6.00(h), a base runner should be awarded a base if the fielder impedes their progress without possession of the ball or not in the act of fielding. Porter explained to a pool reporter that in this case, the obstruction call was unnecessary because the throw to third base arrived well ahead of Toro, who was out by several feet, making any obstruction moot.
“Did the fielder obstruct, or was the runner just out?” Porter asked. We felt that the runner, no matter what the fielder had done in that situation, was out. He was out by a lot. And that’s part of also not calling the obstruction.
And the other side of it is that it’s a very quick developing play there. So we’re able to give them a little bit of leeway when they don’t have time to set up because it was the rundown, and (Rengifo) is running back (toward second base).
Buehler’s Early Struggles Compound Red Sox’s Troubles
While Cora’s ejection overshadowed part of the game, the Red Sox pitching woes took center stage due to Walker Buehler’s uncharacteristically erratic outing. Despite beginning with a 3-0 lead, Buehler allowed five runs in the first inning, issuing four walks and hitting two batters while throwing 39 pitches.
Overall, Buehler recorded a career-high seven walks in just four innings. Although Boston rallied to tie the game by the sixth inning, the damage from that rough start contributed to the eventual loss. Currently, Buehler holds a 5-5 record with a 6.29 ERA over 13 starts, including a previous outing where he allowed eight runs in just over three innings against Seattle.
“You can’t walk seven guys in a major league baseball game and expect to be successful,” Buehler admitted. I think we keep trying different things and looking at different stuff, this (pitch) mix or that mix, but at the end of the day, if you don’t execute and throw strikes, you really don’t have a chance.
I feel like a broken record. It’s embarrassing. It’s not who I want to be as a baseball player, obviously. I’d rather get whacked around than do that.
Assessing Buehler’s Health and Rotation Status
Buehler’s difficulties come during his comeback from a second Tommy John surgery last season. He struggled with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2023, posting a 1-6 record and a 5.95 ERA in 16 starts before recovering in time to contribute to their World Series victory. He even earned the final three outs in the series clincher against the New York Yankees.
When asked about Buehler’s current health, Cora expressed full confidence. “One hundred percent,” he said. Buehler declined to elaborate on whether he was dealing with any ongoing physical issues, simply responding: I don’t want to talk about that.
After navigating the difficult initial frame, Buehler steadied himself by pitching three scoreless innings while allowing only one hit. This improvement may grant him more opportunities to solidify his role in the Boston rotation moving forward.
“The second, third and fourth innings were really good,” Cora noted. The velocity was up and the movement on his pitches were great. There’s a few things mechanically that he feels he needs to do better, but he’ll be ready for the next one.
Pressure Mounts on Buehler to Perform for Boston
Buehler’s past postseason success with the Dodgers, which included three National League pennants and a World Series title from 2017 to 2020, contrasts sharply with his recent struggles. Despite his decorated resume, he acknowledges the necessity to prove his value to the Red Sox at present.
“Yeah, I think you have to be,” Buehler said about worrying over his place in the rotation. At some point, there’s 26 guys that are going to help this team hopefully make the playoffs and if you’re not one of them, I don’t really think it matters what you’ve done in years past.
At some point, I’ve got to put some results out there for myself, but also for this organization. … It just sucks, man. I want to contribute to this team so badly. I’ve enjoyed playing here so much outside of my own performance, so it’s just really frustrating.
As the Red Sox look ahead, the combination of Cora’s fiery managerial style and Buehler’s uneven pitching leaves the team at a crossroads. Whether Buehler can regain the command that helped him win championships and whether Cora can channel his momentum without further suspensions will be crucial as Boston strives for a playoff berth in a competitive season.