Red Sox Manager Alex Cora Offers Reassurance After Slow Start

Cora draws on his own playing experience to provide perspective on the team's early offensive struggles.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 10:05am

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The Boston Red Sox have stumbled out of the gate, losing three straight games after an Opening Day win. Manager Alex Cora addressed the team's early offensive woes, drawing on his own playing career to provide perspective and reassurance to his struggling hitters. Cora emphasized the need for patience and trusting the process, citing examples of players like Willson Contreras and Caleb Durbin who are doing the right things despite the lack of immediate results.

Why it matters

The Red Sox are one of the most high-profile teams in baseball, and their slow start has already generated significant attention and scrutiny. Cora's measured response and willingness to share his own experiences as a player help provide context and calm any overreactions to the team's early-season struggles.

The details

In the Red Sox's 8-1 loss to the Houston Astros, the lineup managed just four hits, with two coming from outfielder Wilyer Abreu. Starter Ranger Suarez struggled in his Red Sox debut, allowing four runs in four innings. Reliever Johan Oviedo also had a tough outing, giving up four runs and two home runs to Jose Altuve. Despite the poor results, Cora highlighted some positives, such as Suarez's ability to change speeds and generate swings and misses.

  • The Red Sox lost to the Astros on Monday, March 31, 2026.
  • The Red Sox's record stands at 1-3 through the first four games of the season.

The players

Alex Cora

The manager of the Boston Red Sox, who previously played in the major leagues for 14 seasons.

Ranger Suarez

A pitcher making his debut for the Red Sox after being acquired in the offseason.

Wilyer Abreu

An outfielder for the Red Sox who has been a bright spot in the early going, hitting .500 with two home runs and three doubles.

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What they’re saying

“I think I started my career 0 for 17”

— Alex Cora, Red Sox Manager

“Stay patient. Work the count. Do not chase results that are not there yet.”

— Alex Cora, Red Sox Manager

What’s next

The Red Sox will look to bounce back in their next game against the Astros on April 1, 2026.

The takeaway

Despite the Red Sox's slow start, manager Alex Cora's calm and experienced perspective should help the team and its fans avoid overreacting. Cora's message of patience and trust in the process is a reminder that the long season is just beginning, and the team's talented lineup will find its footing.