“I didn't want people to see me so happy" - Red Sox manager Alex Cora opens up on excitement of three players making the All-Star Game

Manager Alex Cora was happy to know when three Boston Red Sox players were named for the MLB All-Star Game on Sunday. The 94th Mid Summer Classic will be played on July 16 at Rangers home, Globe Life Field. Rafael Devers, Jarren Duran and Tanner Houck are the three Red Sox players who will represent the American League team next week.

Upon hearing the news before Sunday's game against the Yankees, Cora reacted to it in the post-game interview following the Red Sox's 3-0 win over the Yankees.

"I was very nervous the last few days," Cora said. "You never know how this goes because of the rules, right? You need somebody from every team. I feel like the last few days, Jaron has feel it. He's thinking about it. I was like, we got a lot of work. This doesn't go the right way, honestly.

"When I got the news this morning, I showed up late to the ballpark because I didn't want people to see me so happy. I showed up like at 3. It was awesome," Cora added.

Alex Cora praises Rafael Devers, Jarren Duran and Tanner Houck for their selection for the All-Star Game

Alex Cora, during his interview also praised all three players for making the team. Starting with Tanner Houck, who has been the Red Sox's best starter this season, going 7-6 with an ERA of 2.68 and a 1.05 WHIP, Cora said:

"Tanner, I remember watching him pitch when I was at home in 2020 in Miami. I think he pitched there and just the presence on the mound and what he's become. Like I told him, this guy is so consistent at what he does. When he pitches, he's on that couch with the headphones hanging out. When he doesn't, it's the same thing. He's a testament of who he is."

Next up, Jarren Duran, who made his first All-Star team, batted .276 including 10 homers, 40 RBIs and 21 stolen bases.

"Jaren, I saw him back home, man," Cora said. "Lockdown country, no fans. You go from the apartment to the stadium and just play in that environment. He struggled, but he played hard.

"Then he went to the Caribbean Series and took off. It hasn't been easy, but I know he was talking about that phone call to his dad. Whenever that's going to happen, it should be great," Alex Cora said about Duran.

Finally, Rafael Devers once again performed on expected lines. Currently, he is batting .293 along with 21 homers, 55 RBIs and two stolen bases.

"Rafi, shoot, 1,000 hits and he's only 28. He's acting like the guy we envisioned. We're very proud of all of them," Alex Cora added.

Who do you think will win the MVP at the All-Star game? Will it be one from Red Sox? Let us know in the comments section.