Red Sox’ Alex Cora discusses managing Boston’s bullpen, Jarren Duran’s consistency on MLB Network

As the Red Sox in the Bronx this weekend, Cora stopped by MLB Network's nearby studio to talk about the state of the team.

Alex Cora and his Red Sox are in the Bronx amid a four-game series against their American League East foe New York Yankees this weekend.

Boston’s skipper stopped by MLB Network’s studio in nearby Secaucus, New Jersey on Friday to talk about the state of the team with the hosts of “MLB Central.”

The first question Cora was asked pertained to what it’s like managing the club in September as they fight for a wild card spot.

“Every game counts and that’s how it goes. You pay attention to what’s going on around in the league, to be honest with you,” Cora said. “You know you’re running out of time. We still got three games against the Twins, and that’s our only goal. When we get to Fenway next week, we’re either three back, or two back, or one. That’s our main goal.”

Cora went on to explain his concerns about the Red Sox’ bullpen down the stretch. He’s been forced to use relievers more often than he’d like to of late due to short outings by starting pitchers and extra inning games.

“Usage-wise, the bullpen, that’s something that worries me a lot,” Cora said. “The guys have been pitching a lot. It’s been a lot of close games, but we have to go. We’re not gonna throw Kenley [Jansen] three days in a row in April, in May, but maybe we’ll do it now.”

Later, Cora was asked what the first thing he does when he arrives to the ballpark on game day. He doubled down on the importance of managing the bullpen and deciding what matchups they want to utilize after their starter is finished.

“The first thing I wanna know is the lineup. … Try to find the matchup … late in the game,” Cora said. “If it’s (Justin) Slaten – he’s really good by the way, really good. If it’s Chris Martin. We know Kenley has the 9th, we know that. How are we gonna use Marty, how are we gonna use Slaten, (Josh) Winckowski?

“[Pitching coach Andrew Bailey] is doing an outstanding job preparing everybody. We talk a little bit right before the game and then the game will dictate what we do. People think everything is a script at the big league level. Nah, it’s not. I guarantee you that. You see the game, you watch the game, you see the swings.”

When asked about Jarren Duran’s impressive 2024 season, Boston’s manager raved about the player and what his consistency at the leadoff spot in the team’s lineup means to the club as a whole.

“He’s intense. He loves playing the game. He struggled a few years ago as far as the offensive part of it. A lot of swing and misses, he’s had to make adjustments,” Cora said of Duran. “He’s the perfect example that you have to trust the process. When they get here, it’s not the final product. You have to help him to become the player you envision when you drafted him.”

Cora continued by explaining that Duran’s ability to play every day can set a precedent for the Red Sox’ future stars.

“I think it’s very important for the Boston Red Sox that the leadoff guy plays every single day. … You have to post, right? Because when Roman Anthony, Marcelo Mayer, Kyle Teel come here, this is what we do. We live in an era that we take care of the players so much. Your best players have to be on the field most of the time.”