Verdugo: Return to Fenway 'one of the days I had circled'
New York Yankees outfielder Alex Verdugo was ready to put on a show against the Boston Red Sox in his first game back at Fenway Park since an offseason trade between the division rivals.
"These are one of the days I had circled," Verdugo said postgame after hitting a homer with four RBIs in an 8-1 win over the Red Sox on Friday, according to YES Network. "Big to come back against your former team. To come out there in the first inning (and) put a swing out there that helps the team get ahead. ... Kind of let the emotions fly on the bases."
Verdugo set the tone with a two-run blast on the first pitch he saw from Red Sox right-hander Brayan Bello in the first inning:
Alex Verdugo was HYPED after homering on his first pitch back at Fenway Park. pic.twitter.com/48dKjpoZ8f
— MLB (@MLB) June 14, 2024
"Definitely. ... I expect nothing less playing against them," Verdugo said when asked about hearing loud boos from Red Sox fans at Fenway.
The Red Sox traded Verdugo for three minor-league pitchers in December after four seasons with Boston. The 28-year-old was a key piece in the Mookie Betts deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers in February 2020.
"If you've been traded, you kind of want to get that team back. ... Just competing against them, you want to do your best," Verdugo added.
The AL East-leading Yankees also became the first team in baseball to record 50 wins this season.