Alex Cora’s Controversial Call to Pull Connelly Early Stirs Debate After Red Sox Loss

In a decision that has left Red Sox Nation buzzing, manager Alex Cora pulled pitcher Connelly Early from a dominant outing after just 80 pitches, a move that preceded a stunning loss on Tuesday night at Fenway Park. The 4-2 defeat to the Tampa Bay Rays, which dropped Boston’s record to 78-69 with less than three weeks left in the 2025 regular season, has sparked outrage and confusion among fans and analysts alike. Cora’s explanation, delivered in a tense postgame press conference at 11:30 PM EDT on September 16, 2025, only fueled the fire, raising questions about strategy, player health, and the team’s postseason hopes.

Early, a 26-year-old right-hander, was masterful through five innings, allowing just one hit and striking out seven while holding a 2-0 lead. His pitch count sat at 80 when Cora signaled for reliever Matt Barnes, a call that stunned the Fenway crowd. The Rays capitalized immediately, scoring four runs in the sixth, including a game-changing three-run homer by Randy Arozarena. Fans took to X in droves, with posts like “Why pull Early when he’s dealing?” and “Cora lost us this game” reflecting the sentiment. The loss tightened the AL wild-card race, leaving Boston 2.5 games behind the final spot with 15 games to play.

Cora defended the move, citing a combination of pitch efficiency and a precautionary approach to Early’s workload. “We’ve seen how quickly arms can break down this late in the season,” Cora said, referencing Early’s history of shoulder tightness earlier in the year. “I’d rather lose a game than lose him for the stretch run.” The manager hinted at data-driven decisions, noting that Early’s velocity had dipped slightly in the fifth, though he stopped short of confirming an injury. Early, for his part, remained stoic, saying, “I trust Alex. If he thinks it’s best, I’m with him.”

The decision has divided opinions. Some analysts praise Cora’s long-term vision, arguing that preserving Early for October outweighs a single regular-season game. Others see it as a miscalculation, pointing to the bullpen’s struggles—Barnes allowed all four runs—and the urgency of the playoff chase. “This isn’t the time to experiment,” said ESPN’s Tim Kurkjian. “You ride the hot hand.” Red Sox fans, already on edge after a rollercoaster season, flooded social media with debates, with one fan posting, “Cora’s playing chess while we’re fighting for our lives.”

The fallout could shape Boston’s postseason trajectory. Early’s health is paramount, but the loss stings at a critical juncture. Cora’s track record—highlighted by the 2018 World Series title—gives him credibility, yet this call tests his relationship with a fan base desperate for a return to glory. As the team prepares for a day game against Tampa Bay on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at 1:05 PM EDT, all eyes will be on Early’s next start and Cora’s next move. For now, the debate rages: Was this a masterstroke or a misstep that could haunt the Red Sox into October?