Less than 24 hours after the Red Sox lost to the Blue Jays in heartbreaking fashion on a three-run, eighth-inning blast by Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Alex Cora explained why he chose not to intentionally walk the slugger.

Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora made a major announcement regarding a key player after Friday's game against the Minnesota Twins.

Candidly, manager Alex Cora understood why people second-guessed his decision to pitch to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. with the team protecting a one-run lead in the eighth inning Thursday night in Toronto — especially after the Blue Jays slugger blasted a 3-2 pitch from Justin Slaten 404 feet to left-center field for a three-run homer that decided the Red Sox’ 4-2 loss.

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The Red Sox welcomed catcher Connor Wong back from the 10-day injured list Friday, but immediately put another key player on the 15-day IL in veteran starter Walker Buehler (right shoulder inflammation).