Sloppy defensive play has been a big part of the reason the Boston Red Sox have fallen into last place in the American League East. Manager Alex Cora has been a witness to the team's error-prone ways, and while he has pointed out these issues throughout the season, it seems to be getting worse.

The Red Sox gave up a “Little League Home Run” in their 6-2 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays Sunday at Fenway Park. With 2 outs in the sixth inning, Manuel Margot took off from first on a hit-and-run play. Yandy Diaz executed perfectly by hitting a slow ground ball through the vacated second-base hole.

Margot sprinted around the bases while rightfielder Jason Verdugo slowly retrieved the ball and threw it to 2nd baseman Enmanuel Valdez. Margot kept running and scored easily as Valdez's throw to catcher Connor Wong was late.

Related Boston Red Sox NewsArticle continues below
Mar 27, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Boston Red Sox third base Alex Bregman (2) walks on the field in the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-Imagn Images
Alex Bregman provides one good sign after leaving Orioles clash with injury
Boston Red Sox designated hitter Rafael Devers (11) hits a solo home run during the fifth inning against the New York Mets at Fenway Park.
Rafael Devers dominates Orioles with 8 RBI outing for Red Sox
May 18, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox left fielder Jarren Duran (16) center fielder Ceddanne Rafaela (3) and second baseman David Hamilton (17) wait at home to congratulate designated hitter Rafael Devers (11) after hitting a grand slam during the fourth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
Red Sox add to Orioles misery with historic inning

Wong threw the ball into center field in an attempt to stop Diaz from advancing, but Jarren Duran was nowhere near his position and Diaz circled the bases.

“In the end it’s on me. I’m the manager of this club and we’ve been sloppy,” Alex Cora said. “It’s not about pointing fingers, right? The roster is the roster and we have to play better baseball. But I’m the manager of this team and defensively we’re not good. We’re not.”

Red Sox players did not hide from their mistakes and both Verdugo and Wong admitted they were at fault. But these problems have occurred all too frequently for a team that doesn't have the talent to compete with the Rays, New York Yankees and the other top teams in the American League.