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Cade Cavalli apologizes for using derogatory term during game against Red Sox

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 1, 2026, 6:04 PM

Last updated Jul 1, 2026

Cade Cavalli apologizes for using derogatory term during game against Red Sox

Summary

Cade Cavalli of the Washington Nationals issued an apology for calling Boston Red Sox's Willson Contreras 'boy' during a game on July 1, 2026. The incident occurred following a strikeout in the fourth inning, leading to an on-field confrontation that resulted in Contreras being ejected. Cavalli later expressed that he did not intend the term as offensive, noting he has learned about its implications. Nationals president of baseball operations Paul Toboni commented that the word choice was inappropriate but believed Cavalli was unaware of its connotation. MLB has yet to address potential disciplinary actions regarding the incident.

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By the Numbers

•Cade Cavalli struck out Willson Contreras in the fourth inning.
•Contreras confronted Cavalli, leading to a benches-clearing altercation.
•Contreras and three others were ejected from the game.
•Cavalli delivered a strong performance, striking out 13 batters.
•MLB has not announced potential fines or suspensions following the incident.

Latest Updates

9:38 PMYahoo Sports — MLB suspends Red Sox's Willson Contreras, Nationals' Cade Cavalli, others after benches-clearing incident
12:00 PMYahoo Sports — Cade Cavalli apologizes for Willson Contreras incident: ‘I’m extremely torn up’
7:23 PMESPN — Cavalli: No ill will meant with Contreras remark
6:04 PMYahoo Sports — Nationals pitcher Cade Cavalli apologizes for calling Willson Contreras 'boy' after strikeout: 'It'll never happen again'

What they're saying

"
Washington Nationals pitcher Cade Cavalli took ownership Wednesday for a bench-clearing altercation the previous night, admitting that he had called Boston’s Willson Contreras “boy.” Addressing reporters Wednesday morning, Cavalli noted the loaded “history” of the term, which has roots among Southerners who used it to demean Black Americans, said he had “learned a lot” about…
— Yahoo Sports

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Nationals pitcher Cade Cavalli has apologized for shouting "sit down, boy" at Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras while instigating a benches-clearing scrum.
— ESPN