The Red Sox got their ears boxed by the Blue Jays on Tuesday (TOR 10, BOS 3), so perhaps that's why they were all colicky and outraged afterward. Whatever the underlying causes, Toronto right-hander Marcus Stroman had the reigning champs in a state following the loss.
The source of controversy -- such as it is -- appears to be an alleged quick pitch from Stroman to Sox rookie Michael Chavis. This appears to be the pitch in question:
Marcus Stroman, Quick Pitch (after Chavis calls time, to try to mess with Stroman's rhythm). pic.twitter.com/mTipRxogSA
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) May 22, 2019
Yeah, that's really stretching the definition of quick pitch. Even so, here's what Boston manager Alex Cora said afterward:
From last night: #RedSox manager Alex Cora on #BlueJays starter Marcus Stroman and the disagreement in the 4th inning (which Stroman said was between he and Michael Chavis)... pic.twitter.com/S4Ig0uSEWi
— Keegan Matheson (@KeeganMatheson) May 22, 2019
On the mound, Stroman is an excitable sort, and he tries to get in hitters' heads and disrupt their rhythms by varying his own rhythms. This, of course, is hardly a novel approach. Stroman also stared into the Boston dugout following a strikeout, so that probably played a supporting role in their anguish. Chris Sale and Chavis both let Stroman hear about it during the game, but that's about as far as things got. As for Stroman, he seems unlikely to bow to their objections moving forward:
I compete. That’s it. Didn’t know I had to cater to opposing teams to like me. Everyone messes with timing, deliveries and pitching mechanics these days. Everyone. Get over it. I’m going to keep that dawg mentality always. Pops raised me right and approves of it all! 🤷🏾♂️ https://t.co/y5xvA6dGhm
— Marcus Stroman (@MStrooo6) May 22, 2019
He's not wrong. It's of course entirely possible that Stroman will cross paths with the Red Sox again in 2019, which given this backstory could be appointment viewing.