Boston, MA – Multiple sources inside Fenway Park told WEEI.com that Alfredo Aceves tore off his jersey while making his way from the bullpen back to the clubhouse in the moments after Boston's 4-3 win over the Royals Friday night. The game was saved by Andrew Bailey one night after Aceves allowed six hits and five runs and blew his third save in five chances.
After Aceves dressed in the clubhouse, he stormed into the office of manager Bobby Valentine and slammed the door behind him.
Another source told WEEI.com that he requested a meeting with Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington and was denied at a time when Cherington was working to finalize the blockbuster trade sending Adrian Gonzalez, Josh Beckett, Carl Crawford and Nick Punto to the Dodgers.
On Saturday, Aceves was suspended for "conduct detrimental to the team" and was unavailable on a night the Red Sox were forced to use all seven relievers in the bullpen and lost, 10-9, to the Royals at Fenway Park.
Valentine acknowledged that Aceves' suspension "might have had something to do with" his reaction to being bypassed for the save opportunity in favor of Bailey.
"I'm a little disappointed," Valentine added. "You've just got to know the difference between right and wrong. That's all we ask."
Asked whether the incident might affect Aceves' role with the team going forward, Valentine shrugged, "We're taking it day by day."
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