Alex Cora understands there were many out there who second guessed his decision to go with Joely Rodriguez instead of Brennan Bernardino as the lone left-hander on the Opening Day roster. That choice was largely roster-driven — Bernardino had minor league options remaining and Rodriguez had an opt out — but Cora also felt Rodriguez was a proven big leaguer who could help the big league club.

Cora still believes Rodriguez can be that guy, but Sunday he acknowledged it wasn’t going to happen in Boston.

To clear space on the roster for Naoyuki Uwasawa, the Red Sox designated the 32-year-old lefty for assignment, likely ending his two-year tenure in Boston. Prior to Sunday’s game Cora explained why they made the move.

“Strike throwing, the stuff looked down and we needed help here,” Cora said. “We’ve got two lefties that are throwing the ball well, and like I said in Seattle, Bernie was sent down, was it the right move? It is what it is. Joely has been a big leaguer throughout his career, he’s been good at what he does and it just didn’t happen.

“Obviously disappointed yesterday that happened,” Cora continued. “I believe there’s something there still, but for us right now, this is what we have to do.”

Rodriguez pitched 11 games for the Red Sox this season, allowing eight earned runs over 11 innings (6.55 ERA) while giving up three home runs.