The tension was already boiling during the faceoff between the Boston Red Sox and the New York Mets. And all of a sudden, as the Red Sox defeated the Mets 2-0, Rafael Devers’ home run added even more drama to the game. However, what became the talk of the town was the viral moment during the game that took place in the third inning when the manager Alex Cora of the Red Sox and the $25 million star were ejected from the game. At the center of the drama was Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor, who told the umpire to toss them. And now, with a similar incident that happened earlier, Alex Cora makes some surprising revelations about facing Lindor.

“We had breakfast this morning. And I saw the clip of him saying, ‘Throw him out! Throw him out! Throw him out! And then they threw Buehler out. Then Trevor told me that after Walker got thrown out, Lindor was doing the same thing with me. So Francisco did not tell me that this morning,” Alex Cora said, recalling the incident back in October 2024, when Francisco Lindor and Walker Buehler got engaged in a battle of exchange of words.

For those unaware, in 2024, after striking out Francisco Lindor, Walker Buehler shouted, “F*** you, b*tch ass,” before walking off the mound. Lindor was discovered pushing the umpire to eject because of the rekindled old feud with Buehler. It was a rare sight to witness, as Lindor was never seen provoking the player from the rival team. However, Alex Cora seems to have taken it in a funny way, as he believes, “It’s all fun and games, man.”

Although it was humorous and a necessary part of the game, Lindor’s approach was surprising because he argued over the balls and strikes in addition to urging the umpires to eject him. Stressing the incident, Alex Cora further said, “It’s a game that you’re allowed to show emotions. And I have to protect my players. In that instance, it was hard to swallow because I knew where we were. But all of the bullpen pitchers came in and did the job. The cool thing is we won the game.”

And it’s true—Lindor may have gotten his wishes fulfilled with Cora and Buehler getting ejected—but ultimately, what mattered the most was the win. However, not to forget that both Cora and Lindor enjoy a cordial relationship outside the games. So, it’s quite evident that even after the brawls that happen frequently during the games, it’s a tough job to separate these two, whatever the consequences might be.

A relationship that goes beyond the game for Cora and Lindor

While fans may be on opposite sides supporting their favorites, just as in the case of Francisco Lindor and Alex Cora, many do not know that they both have been close friends for quite some time. Back in September 2024, Francisco Lindor, when asked about his feelings about playing against his family friend, said, “You always bring that extra [motivation] when you are playing against somebody that you know and respect and who would give crap back to me. He is amazing. I love him. We have been going at it for years.”

Alex Cora knew Lindor when he was just in elementary school in Caguas, Puerto Rico. Cora used to play for the Double-A San Antonio. Lindor still recalls the moment as he took pictures with him and it was indeed special for him to stand alongside a good big leaguer and, most importantly, a great manager.

Now, even after all these years, the friendship and respect for each other have only grown. Now, despite Lindor’s actions at the plate resulting in the ejection of his friend, Alex Cora, they both joked with each other. However, before they face off again, both friends will love to spend some more time together, as the Boston Red Sox aren’t scheduled to face the Mets again in 2025.