Boston Red Sox radio broadcaster Will Flemming has drawn criticism for his commentary regarding New York Yankees player Jazz Chisholm Jr. during Sunday's game. Flemming, along with his broadcast partner Will Middlebrooks, expressed frustration with Chisholm's actions on the basepaths, particularly his decision to steal second and third base in the eighth inning of a game the Red Sox were losing significantly.
With the score at 7-1 in favor of the Yankees, Chisholm stole two bases while the Red Sox were not actively holding him on. Middlebrooks characterized the move as "a selfish play" and an attempt to "padding your stats," suggesting it signaled a "white flag" from the Red Sox defense. Flemming went further, calling Chisholm a "bush league player" and stating that his actions were "not even a steal" but rather "indifference."
As the game progressed, the situation escalated when Chisholm walked toward third base after a teammate hit a home run. Flemming voiced a desire for Boston pitcher Jovani Moran to "drill Wells here" and suggested Moran "should fight Chisholm." Middlebrooks also agreed that Chisholm was "doing it again, and this is what he does."
The game itself was marked by several contentious plays. In the fifth inning, Boston center fielder Ceddanne Rafaela appeared to make an impressive catch on a liner hit by Chisholm, which could have resulted in a double play. However, the call was overturned to a hit, leading to a five-run inning for the Yankees. Flemming commented on this sequence, suggesting it "started with one play, and it got much, much worse" and added "vinegar" to an anticipated postseason rivalry.