In a surprising turn of events, Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora was absent for the first game of a critical series against the New York Mets, opting instead to attend his daughter Camila's graduation from Boston College. This decision sparked heated discussions on local sports talk radio, with some critics claiming it sent a poor message to the team about priorities and leadership.

Mike Felger from 98.5 The Sports Hub described Cora's absence as 'preposterous,' suggesting that setting the right tone and leading by example should have taken precedence over personal commitments. Cora, however, defended his choice, emphasizing the importance of family and stating that he made the best decision for his daughter. Ultimately, the Red Sox managed to secure a 3-1 victory against the Mets, with bench coach Ramon Vazquez stepping in as acting manager for the night.

Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora has made a personal choice to miss the opening game of a three-game series against the New York Mets to attend his daughter's graduation from Boston College. Cora emphasized the significance of this family event, stating, "It's going to be a very special day -- one that I'm not going to miss." The decision reflects the balance between professional commitments and family milestones. He acknowledged the challenges of parenting through his daughter's college years, crediting her mother for their daughter's success.

The Boston Red Sox are facing ongoing pitching struggles, highlighted by Brayan Bello's rough outing against the Atlanta Braves where he surrendered seven earned runs in just over four innings. Team manager Alex Cora voiced his frustration, emphasizing the need for the entire rotation to step up as the collective ERA stands at a dismal 4.45, ranking 24th in the league. The bullpen fares better with a 3.72 ERA, but injuries and poor performance from starters like Tanner Houck and Lucas Giolito jeopardize the team's success.

With the trade deadline approaching, the Red Sox may need to seek additional rotation support if their performance doesn't improve. The debate continues between developing young pitchers like Bello or pursuing external options, as the team currently hovers near .500. The coming weeks will be critical for Boston as they attempt to turn the season around before it's too late.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora will be absent for the game against the Mets to attend his daughter Camila's graduation from Boston College. Cora expressed his commitment to family, stating he wouldn't miss this special day. Reflecting on how quickly time has passed, he recalled moments from previous celebrations at Fenway, where Camila was a child. Now, she graduates as a young adult, showcasing her achievements as a great student. Cora's appreciation for the support from his daughter's mother throughout their journey together shines through this poignant moment.

The Boston Red Sox have hit a rough patch as they lead Major League Baseball with eight blown saves this season, tied with the Philadelphia Phillies. Though Aroldis Chapman remains perfect in save opportunities, the struggles really lie in the setup role. Garrett Whitlock and Justin Slaten contributed to the latest defeat against the Minnesota Twins, with Whitlock surrendering a game-tying two-run single and Slaten allowing the go-ahead runs. Manager Alex Cora acknowledged their potential, emphasizing the need for better execution and adjustments.

Whitlock's earlier performances offered some hope, including six scoreless outings prior to his recent struggles. However, back-to-back blown saves have raised concerns. The Red Sox also rank 14th in the league for bullpen ERA at 4.22, reflecting their ongoing issues in tight contests, as evident in their 4-9 record in one-run games and a disheartening tendency to fall short in crucial moments.