Alex Verdugo Back Issue Makes Red Sox Look Even Worse for Holding up Mookie Betts Trade Over Brusdar Graterol
By Michael Luciano
The Boston Red Sox have officially turned the page on the Mookie Betts era after a messy trade process finally netted them a package headlined by former Los Angeles Dodgers' Alex Verdugo and Jeter Downs.
Verdugo was the main piece in the deal, but unfortunately for fans in Beantown, a bad back could keep him shelved for the season opener. The Red Sox maintain that he will start the season in right field, but Kevin Pillar is available just in case.
The Red Sox are hopeful that Alex Verdugo will be ready to start the season, if not Kevin Pillar will start the season in RF. Verdugo’s back isn’t a major concern nor considered a long term problem.
— Boston Strong (@BostonStrong_34) February 14, 2020
Keep in mind that the Red Sox delayed the Betts trade for almost a week and ending up with a totally new deal because they didn't like the medical reports on former Minnesota Twins prospect Brusdar Graterol, who went to the Dodgers in the revised deal.
Even with all of that maneuvering, the main piece in the deal still ended up coming to Boston in less than mint condition. Simply brutal.
Alex Verdugo is in town, meeting with medical staff today. Roenicke didn’t want to talk about his status before full workup by team doctors.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) February 14, 2020
The Red Sox were apparently "spooked" over Graterol's medicals, which is what the front office wants you to believe to distract you from the fact they used that as a chance to retroactively get a better offer from the Dodgers. Unfortunately, even a revised deal couldn't result in the Red Sox escaping the injury bug.