Ex-Red Sox Alex Verdugo Plays Peacemaker As Yankees, Royals Clear Benches

Alex Verdugo may not have met the standard during the 2024 season with the New York Yankees, though he did find himself in the middle of the action on Thursday night in Game 4 of the ALDS.

Kansas City Royals infielder Maikel Garcia had a hard slide into Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe who also had contact with with Garcia. The players hashed it out before New York infielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. had a verbal conflict with Garcia, causing the benches to clear at Kauffman Stadium.

Verdugo trotted in from left field, waving his arms to attempt to settle the conflict before a lackluster congregation on the infield simmered to allow play to resume. The Yankees went on to win the game 3-1 and clinch the series victory for their fourth trip to the American League Championship Series since 2017.

Verdugo last played in the ALCS with the Boston Red Sox in 2021 before losing to the Houston Astros in Game 6 at Minute Maid Park. He hit .263 in that series after eliminating the Yankees in the Wild Card game with three runs batted in. Boston also defeated the Tampa Bay Rays in four games in the 2021 ALDS.

The Yankees host the winner of the other AL series between the Detroit Tigers and Cleveland Guardians for Game 1 on Monday night at Yankee Stadium at 7:37 p.m. ET.