Content warning: This story contains references to suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide and needs support now, call or text 988 or chat with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988lifeline.org.
During Saturday’s 4-1 win over the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran was involved in a verbal exchange with a fan at Fenway Park.
The incident occurred during the eighth inning after Duran grounded out to first base, finishing off an 0-for-4 day at the plate with two strikeouts. Earlier in the game, Duran broke his bat by slamming it on the on-deck circle after he struck out in the third inning.
While walking toward the dugout, he began trading remarks with a spectator. Red Sox players saw the commotion and pointed out a fan to security. The fan in question was addressed by a security guard and was eventually removed from the game.
Asked about the incident afterward, Duran spoke to reporters for less than 30 seconds, repeatedly saying “Nothing happened.”
Red Sox manager Chad Tracy provided a bit more information, though didn’t go into specifics.
“Just some people that were chirping, had been chirping for a few innings,” Tracy told reporters. “And started chirping toward Jarren again. We grabbed him and got him down [into the dugout] and told [security], ‘Can you get them out?’ That was all.”
Asked what the fan said to Duran, Tracy replied, “Enough for us to say, ‘Can you please get them out?’”
Duran’s 0-for-4 performance dropped his season slash average to .198/.255/.360, though his 12 home runs and 38 RBI are the second-most among Red Sox hitters.
Saturday’s incident was not Duran’s first altercation with fans.
In 2022 at Cleveland’s Progressive Field, he traded remarks with a fan and had to be held back by coaches. Duran later indicated that the person’s “inappropriate” comments had to do with his attempted suicide and mental health struggles. The outfielder later elaborated on his difficulties and confirmed the suicide attempt in a 2025 Netflix docuseries, “The Clubhouse: A Year With the Red Sox.”
In 2024 at Fenway Park, Duran directed an anti-gay slur at someone heckling him. He later apologized to Red Sox fans and the LGBTQ community for the outburst, but the team suspended him for two games.
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