New York Yankees

Red Sox fans serenaded Alex Rodriguez with a chant at Fenway Park

Published Nov. 15, 2016 3:07 p.m. ET

Chris Bahr

Red Sox fans wanted Alex Rodriguez, but they didn’t get him.

During the ninth inning of Boston’s 5-3 win over the Yankees on Tuesday night, fans at Fenway Park chanted “We want A-Rod!” However, the longtime Red Sox nemesis remained in the dugout.

But why wasn't A-Rod hitting?

During a press conference this past Sunday to announce that Friday will be Rodriguez’s final game with the Yankees, manager Joe Girardi indicated that the outgoing slugger could play as much as he wanted during this series in Boston. But then it was reported Tuesday that A-Rod would start only the final game of the series on Thursday.

And that was news to Rodriguez, who met with Girardi before Tuesday’s series opener. Here’s what A-Rod told MLB.com:

Asked to explain his change of heart when it comes to Rodriguez's playing time, Girardi shared his reasoning:

A-Rod has one at-bat in August and hasn’t started since July 30. He last homered on July 18 and is 3-for-30 with nine strikeouts since the All-Star break.

And that is a big part of the reason Red Sox fans wanted him at the plate as the Yankees tried to rally Tuesday.