Farrell: Miley's behavior 'unacceptable'
After in-game argument, Red Sox lefty apologetic in postgame meeting with manager
BOSTON -- On Thursday night, after Red Sox starter Wade Miley was seen arguing with manager John Farrell in the dugout, the Boston skipper chalked up the pitcher's anger to his competitive nature.
By Friday, however, Farrell's tone toward the incident had markedly changed.
"He obviously did not like the decision of being removed from the game," Farrell said. "But the outburst in the dugout is something that's unacceptable, I won't stand for [it], and as a result, we met immediately following the game."
The argument took place when Farrell pulled Miley from the game after four innings. The Orioles had already tagged the left hander for five runs, three of them via homers, on nine hits. He had only allowed four home runs in his previous 11 starts combined.
Video: BOS@BAL: Miley rings up Wieters to end the frame
Asked about his harsher stance Friday, Farrell said he wanted to avoid intensifying the situation.
"I could understand his mindset. To escalate any further. ... He and I spoke immediately after the game, and I think [the other players were] aware of that. That mattered to me most," Farrell said. "I'm here to tell you it's unacceptable, that he's aware of that, and that's where we'll leave it."
Farrell added that Miley was apologetic and understanding of his message, which mostly centered around the timing and location of their heated exchange.
"The surprising thing is the setting in which it took place," Farrell said. "There's always going to be decisions that players don't agree with, but there's a way to go about expressing that. That wasn't the case [Thursday] night."
Farrell declined to address whether Miley will receive any sort of internal punishment, or if the team intends to hold him out of his next start. He simply emphasized his hope that Miley can put the night behind him.
"[Keeping] pulse of the clubhouse is ongoing regardless of a win or loss," Farrell said. "Situations like [Thursday] night are going to draw more attention because of the stretch run, I understand it. But it's not a patchwork approach or reactionary. The communication is constant and based on what their current trend is, whether they're going well or not."