Breslow contradicts himself explaining why Red Sox fired Alex Cora and several other coaches

Breslow and Kennedy said it was a group decision, with Breslow leading the charge for changes. The former Red Sox relief pitcher seemed to contradict himself by the end. His comments earlier in the press conference said the coaching changes were “warranted,” but Breslow admitted the roster is flawed.

“Overall, the accountability for the roster falls on me. And this was a challenging roster to manage just given the position player group. That’s something that I acknowledged and acknowledged talking with Alex yesterday.”

The Red Sox players said they were shocked to hear their manager and other coaches, including Hitting Coach Peter Fatse, Third Base Coach Kyle Hudson, Bench Coach Ramón Vázquez, Assistant Hitting Coach Dillon Lawson, and Major League Hitting Strategy Coach Joe Cronin.

FILE - This combo of 2026 file photos shows, from top row left, Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora, hitting coach Peter Fatse, third-base coach Kyle Hudson, bottom row from left, bench coach Rámon Vázquez, assistant hitting coach Dillon Lawson, and hitting strategy coach Joe Cronin. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert, File)

Connelly Early earned the win as the starting pitcher on Sunday. He said the team talked pregame about playing for one another.

“I just want to go out there and show I was confident out there,” Early said. “I think we did a really good job today and played some really good baseball and played the way AC would want us to play.”

Former Red Sox Captain Jason Varitek was “reassigned” to a different role in the organization. No word yet on if he accepted the new position.

Catcher Carlos Narvaez said Varitek was beloved and a mentor to him.

“He was like my second dad. Ton of love for him. I know he’s always going to be there for me and for everybody here.”

Narvaez added he and his teammates cannot control who manages the team, but they have to focus on playing better moving forward. He discussed having Chad Tracy step in to lead the club.

“I know he’s a great manager. I know it’s tough for him too, but we are on the same boat, and everyone feels confident that he is around,” Narvaez said. “This moment for everybody is tough but having a familiar face around is always good.”

Boston continues their road trip Monday night in Toronto against the Blue Jays.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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