Alex Cora has been suspended by Major League Baseball through the 2020 postseason. But, according to MLB commissioner Rob Manfred, the penalty had nothing to do with the investigation involving the 2018 Red Sox. It was all about what Cora did in helping the Astros in their 2017 sign-stealing scandal.

For the first time since Cora and the Red Sox announced their mutual parting on Jan. 14, the former Red Sox manager offered a statement. The following was released by Cora through ESPN's Marly Rivera Wednesday night: ESPN/Marly Rivera ESPN/Marly Rivera