News
Rivera apologizes to Scioscia for swagger
Slugger shows remorse after gawking at Monday's double
By Rhett Bollinger / MLB.com
09/22/09 9:25 PM ET
ANAHEIM -- Angels left fielder Juan Rivera apologized to manager Mike Scioscia for breaking out into a home run trot a little too early during his RBI double in the eighth inning of Monday's 5-2 win over the Yankees.Rivera hit a long drive to left field off Yankees reliever Jonathan Albaladejo and took some time admiring his shot before watching the ball hit off the base of the wall. Once he realized the drive wasn't a homer, Rivera was still able to make it to second base for a two-out double that scored Vladimir Guerrero from second.
Rivera said on Tuesday that he apologized to Scioscia immediately after coming back to the dugout at the end of the inning.
"I just told him it was my fault," Rivera said. "I know that I have to run hard every time, whether the ball is gone or still in the field."
Scioscia said he accepted Rivera's apology, and it was made clear by the fact that Rivera was in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Yankees.
"Juan felt bad about it, but it's been addressed," Scioscia said. "It's not what we're about and he feels bad, so we'll move on."
But Rivera wasn't the only player who thought he had a homer late in the game. Yankees right fielder Nick Swisher hit what he thought was a two-run shot in the ninth against closer Brian Fuentes, but the ball was caught at the wall by left fielder Reggie Willits.
It was just another example of how difficult it can be to homer at Angel Stadium during night games, and Rivera can attest to that.
"In the daytime, that ball is gone," Rivera said with a laugh.
But Rivera said there was no excuse for not running hard, saying that "it won't happen again."
Rhett Bollinger is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
