Alek Manoah responds to Alex Verdugo’s criticism as Blue Jays-Red Sox rivalry heats up

The first series of the season between Toronto Blue Jays and Boston Red Sox is still about a month away but the rivalry between these two AL East rivals is already heating up. It started with Red Sox outfielder Alex Verdugo’s unsolicited criticism of Jays pitcher Alek Manoah for yelling at opponents after strikeouts — something Verdugo said is disrespectful on a podcast. During a high-intensity Red Sox—Blue Jays game last July, Manoah appeared to yell “Sit the f — down” after striking out Franchy Cordero. “My job is to pitch and get guys out.”The Jays will travel to Boston for a four-game series against the Red Sox starting May 1. The Red Sox won’t visit Toronto until late June — early July.