BALTIMORE — Red Sox Manager Bobby Valentine expressed surprise over a report several players met with John Henry, the owner, and Larry Lucchino, the team president, last month to complain about Valentine’s handling of the team.

According to Yahoo! Sports, Adrian Gonzalez and Dustin Pedroia were “the most vocal” at a July 27 meeting in New York.

Some players said they didn’t want to continue playing for Valentine, Yahoo! reported.

The meeting was called after ownership received a text message from Gonzalez on behalf of teammates to complain about Valentine leaving pitcher Jon Lester in as he allowed 11 runs July 22 against the Blue Jays.

Asked about the meeting, Valentine said Tuesday, “I’m glad July is over because they are still playing for me. I don’t know what issues they might be referring to. Dustin and I talked. That’s a meeting I had. But I don’t know if it was in July.”

Pedroia and Gonzalez refused comment and said they might not talk to the media for the rest of the season.

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THE RED SOX activated right-hander reliever Andrew Bailey from the disabled list. Bailey has been sidelined the entire season after undergoing surgery on his right thumb. Valentine said Bailey, a closer with Oakland in each of the three previous seasons, would initially be used late in games but not necessarily in the ninth inning.

“I’m glad to be here and can’t wait to get out there,” Bailey said. “I have no expectations whatsoever. We’re at a point and time where we have to start winning ballgames. Everyone knows that. Whenever he calls upon me I’ll go out there and pitch.”

 


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