Red Sox Manager Urges Patience Amid Slow Start

Alex Cora reminds players that early-season slumps are common in a 162-game season.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 3:34am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball game or match, with sharp, overlapping planes of color in deep red, royal blue, and golden yellow, capturing the dynamic action and energy of the sport.Cora's call for patience amid the Red Sox's early-season struggles reflects the ebbs and flows of a long baseball season.Boston Today

Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora is preaching patience to his players after the team's slow offensive start to the 2026 season. Through the first four games, the Red Sox have scored just 11 runs and struck out 41 times, going 1-3. Cora acknowledged that new additions Willson Contreras and Caleb Durbin have particularly struggled, but urged the team to stay within themselves and focus on quality at-bats rather than rushing to get hits.

Why it matters

The Red Sox are facing high expectations this season after making key offseason additions, so a slow start has raised some early concerns. However, Cora's experience as a player reminds him that prolonged slumps are common over a long season, and he wants to ensure his team stays focused on the process rather than panicking about the results.

The details

In Monday's 8-1 loss to the Houston Astros, the Red Sox managed just four hits. When asked about the team's slow start, Cora was able to relate, noting that he began his own playing career 0-for-17. While every hitter goes through cold streaks over a 162-game season, Cora emphasized the importance of staying within oneself and focusing on quality at-bats rather than rushing to get hits.

  • The Red Sox have started the 2026 season with a 1-3 record through their first four games.

The players

Alex Cora

The manager of the Boston Red Sox, known for his ability to relate to players and preach patience during long seasons.

Willson Contreras

A new addition to the Red Sox lineup who has struggled early, recording just one hit in the team's first four games.

Caleb Durbin

Another new Red Sox player who has started slowly, with just one hit in the team's first four games.

Hunter Brown

The Houston Astros pitcher who is scheduled to start against the Red Sox on Tuesday, coming off a season in which he placed third in American League Cy Young voting.

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What they’re saying

“I mean, shoot, I think I started my career 0 for 17. You look up, and you see the low numbers.”

— Alex Cora, Red Sox Manager

“One thing for sure, don't rush yourself to get a hit, right? Stay within yourself, work the count, put up a good at-bat. I think that's something Willson [Contreras] has done. I think Caleb [Durbin] today was able to do that, although the results weren't there.”

— Alex Cora, Red Sox Manager

What’s next

The Red Sox will face a tough test on Tuesday when they take on the Houston Astros and pitcher Hunter Brown, who is coming off a strong season.

The takeaway

Cora's message of patience and focus on the process rather than results is a valuable reminder for a Red Sox team facing high expectations early in the season. His own experience as a player struggling to start a career shows he understands the ebbs and flows of a long baseball season, and he wants to ensure his team stays grounded and confident despite the slow start.