MLB Controversies of the Week: Alex Cora lashes out over Vaughn Grissom's interference call; League draws criticism for increased security in Oakland Stadium for A’s final game & more

It's the peak of the MLB regular season as teams are fighting to make the playoffs. With a handful of games remaining, the battle for a spot in the postseason gets intense, with several teams on the brink of elimination.

While the tough competition continues, there is no shortage of MLB controversies.

Alex Cora lashes out over Vaughn Grissom's interference call

Earlier this month, Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora stirred controversy with his words during the series against rivals the New York Yankees which led the league to launch an investigation for his remarks on allegedly targeting Aaron Judge. On Saturday, Cora was caught up in another controversy after he lashed out over Vaughn Grissom's interference call.

The Red Sox were playing the Minnesota Twins for the last time in the 2024 season. During the game, Grissom was called for interference at second base while trying to get Byron Buxton out.

Cora was unhappy about the call as he lashed out at the umpires and was eventually ejected from the game. Despite the ejection, Cora remained on the field to demonstrate Grissom's play and was furious with the decision during his animated reaction.

MLB draws criticism for increased security in Oakland Stadium

The Athletics are moving out of Oakland as their contract is about to expire. The A's have decided to relocate to Las Vegas, Nevada, but the move drew criticism from plenty. That said, the MLB and the Athletics decided to tighten their security for their last game in the stadium.

The league and the franchise are reportedly adding more security measures when the A's play the Texas Rangers on Thursday at the Coliseum for the last time. While the decision was made to avoid fan violence, their decision was criticized. According to MLB journalist Bob Nightengale, A's owner, John Fisher, and the MLB are believed to have arrived at this decision.

It's hard for fans to leave their hometown and travel to Las Vegas to watch the team play. Some fans called out Fisher and the league as they condemned the decision.

Tensions spark in Philly as Citi Field calls Bryce Harper 'Secret Dallas Cowboys fan'

During the Mets vs Phillies game at Citi Field, the scoreboard read, "Secretly a Dallas Cowboys fan," alongside Bryce Haper's stats. The Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles are famous NFL rivals.

While the Mets were trying to joke about it, several recalled an interview by Haper in 2023 where he revealed being a Cowboys fan growing up. Phillies fans felt the Mets were trying to turn Harper against his current team.

While some fans were not pleased with the Mets making such statements, Harper has always leaned toward Philly since his move to Philadelphia.