BOSTON In a span of six months, Alex Verdugo has gone from that sent him from one side of a rivalry to the other. Initially upset about the Red Sox trading him to the Yankees in December, Verdugo as a visitor and happy to be on the team atop the AL East. After spending four years with the Red Sox, Verdugo admitted he had this weekends series circled on his calendar, calling it both special and weird to be back. Alex Verdugo hit a two-run homer in the first inning in his return to Fenway Park as a visitor on Friday. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con But he did not seem bitter about how it has all played out so far. I feel like this trade happened for a reason, Verdugo said Friday afternoon before hitting Alejandro Kirk Jersey a two-run homer in the first inning en route to a 3-for-5, four-RBI night in the . Looking back at it, it was better for me. Explore More Verdugo, acquired for reliever Greg Wei sert and minor league pitchers Richard Fitts and Nicholas Judice, has played a key role in the Yankees hot start to the season. After seemingly wearing out his welcome in Boston, where he was the key piece of the package the Red Sox got back from the Dodgers in the ill-fated Mookie Betts blockbuster, Verdugo has been a strong fit inside the Yankees clubhouse. Im just able to be myself, Verdugo said. Im able to show the guys these guys, theyve played against me for years and they understand what I bring when Im out there between the lines. Now theyre seeing it all the way around. I think they just really like the energy that I bring. Im just 100 percent me. Alex Verdugo, hitting a two-run homer in his first game back at Fenway Park, has played a major role in the Yankees strong start to the season. AP Manager Aaron Boone made it clear to Verdugo right after the trade went down that he wanted the outfielder to come in and be himself. His personality wasnt something the Yankees shied away from, instead believing that it was something they were mi sing. Go beyond the box score with the Bombers Sign up for Inside the Yankees by Greg Joyce, exclusively on Sports+. Thank you By clicking above you agree to the and . Enjoy this Post Sports+ exclusive newsletter! We have a standard and an expectation, Boone said. But at the same time, we want you to be who you are. That me sage not only goes to Dugie but anyone that comes in here. I think our leadership group, led by Aaron [Judge], does a great job of allowing guys to really get acclimated, be themselves but also set that standard and expectation as well. Hes just funny and hes got a little edge to him. Hes just kind of fit in right away and been able to really be himself. Alex Verdugo told reporters that contrary to the Red Sox, Aaron Boone had his players backs. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con Boone, Judge and Anthony Rizzo have all said they had been trying to get the Yankees to acquire Verdugo for a few years before the trade actually happened. Hearing that helped Verdugo settle in quickly and provide the impact he has so far on both sides of the ball. See Also Shortly after the trade, though, Verdugo created a bit of a stir in his first media availability as a Yankee when he mentioned seeing how Boone has his players backs Instead of airing people out, have their backs, Verdugo said. That was perceived by many as a dig at Red Sox manager Alex Cora, who had benched Verdugo twice last season for a lack of hustle and showing up to the park late before a game. But on Friday, both Verdugo and Cora talked about any i sues they had as water under the bridge. Dugies a good kid, Cora said. I think people are making too much of nothing. We have a good relationship. Verdugo, who shared a hug with Cora on the field during batting practice, echoed that sentiment and then blamed the media for overblowing the saga. I think there were just a couple minor things that we bumped heads on and thats fine, Verdugo said. Not everybody is going to always agree on things. But really, I got nothing but respect for AC. Im a little tired of talking about AC when were talking about the Red Sox because of the way it ended. Were still friends. Media and people want to blow it up to however you guys want to blow it up. But it was the simplest thing as being two men that didnt agree on something, bumped heads. Were also men where we can reconcile and talk to each other. I dont really want the media to keep putting it out that we dont have this friendship. As for how he expected to be received in his first game back at Fenway Park? Like a Yankee, Verdugo said with a grin. Zach Pop Jersey
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