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Red Sox Manager Alex Cora Rips Fan-Favorite After One Of 'Worst Days' In Organization

What is going on in Boston right now?

The Boston Red Sox aren't doing themselves any favors right now.

Boston welcomed the American League East rival Toronto Blue Jays to town for a crucial three-game set that could have serious playoff implications. The Red Sox dropped the first game of the series Friday night and then did the same Saturday afternoon and now are four games out of an American League Wild Card spot and fell behind the New York Yankees and Seattle Mariners in the standings. 

The Red Sox dropped the second game of the series Saturday afternoon in disappointing fashion, 5-4. Boston had a chance to tie it up late but could not do so. Drama swirled around the club as outfielder Alex Verdugo surprisingly was scratched from the lineup shortly before the game. Although it is unclear exactly what happened, after the game Red Sox manager Alex Cora sounded off on the day, as transcribed by MassLive.com's Chris Cotillo.

"We have to be available," Cora said. "Everybody has to be available. For us to do this, we have to be available. From coaches to players to analysts to the front office, everybody has to be available every day here. That’s the bottom line. Today, one guy wasn’t available."

Cora continued on the loss. 

"I’m very disappointed," Cora said. "This is probably one of my worst days here in this organization. From Day 1, everybody’s been available. We had our issues or whatever and we’ve taken care of our things. Today, we took a step back. I feel responsible as the leader. It's hard."

With the loss Saturday, Boston's record dropped to 57-53. The Red Sox will look to get back on track and make up ground in the standings in the series finale against Toronto on Sunday with the first pitch scheduled for 1:35 p.m. ET.

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