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Autonomous Chad Tracy Leads Red Sox 6-4 Post-Cora Run

5/7/2026

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Summary

Tracy Leads Sox

Manager Chad Tracy has guided the Red Sox to a 6-4 record since Alex Cora’s dismissal.
Tracy says he has autonomy over lineups and in-game decisions, with no direction from baseball officer Craig Breslow.
He works with coach Jose Flores and pitching coach Andrew Bailey, cites veterans Trevor Story, Willson Contreras and Garrett Crochet as leaders and, after pitcher Framber Valdez appeared to hit Story, called Valdez “weak,” defending them.

Summary

Bello Dominates

Brayan Bello threw a career-best seven-inning start on May 5, allowing one run with seven strikeouts versus Detroit.
He entered after Jovani Morán’s one-inning opener gave up two runs.
Ceddanne Rafaela’s three-run homer gave Boston a 3-2 lead.
After a 9.00 ERA and .366 average vs left-handed hitters, Alex Tracy moved Bello to the lineup’s bottom and used an opener, affecting his rotation spot amid injuries to Oviedo, Gray and Crochet.

History

Historical Context

When the Red Sox finally shattered the 86-year “Curse of the Bambino” in 2004, Theo Epstein gave manager Terry Francona full lineup control and Boston finished 98-64 before sweeping the St. Louis Cardinals. The franchise’s 2004 comeback now frames 2024’s upheaval, where Alex Cora’s firing left Chad Tracy in charge, bypassing baseball officer Craig Breslow and leaning on veterans Trevor Story and Willson Contreras.

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Tracy Leads Sox

Manager Chad Tracy has guided the Red Sox to a 6-4 record since Alex Cora’s dismissal.
Tracy says he has autonomy over lineups and in-game decisions, with no direction from baseball officer Craig Breslow.
He works with coach Jose Flores and pitching coach Andrew Bailey, cites veterans Trevor Story, Willson Contreras and Garrett Crochet as leaders and, after pitcher Framber Valdez appeared to hit Story, called Valdez “weak,” defending them.

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