Awkward ALCS: Back after cheating ban, Red Sox manager Alex Cora faces his Astros co-conspirators

HOUSTON – Within the arena, Carlos Correa says bring it on.

Correa just celebrated his 27th birthday, remains at the height of his athletic powers and will sign a nine-figure contract soon after completing this playoff run with the Houston Astros.

Never mind that as a protagonist in the Astros’ sign-stealing scandal, Correa and teammates have been subjected to coast-to-coast venom, sure to ramp up when this American League Championship Series shifts from Minute Maid Park to cozy, soused-up Fenway Park.

“Define tough,�� Correa says Thursday when asked whether this 2021 Astros walk of shame that saw trash cans tossed on the field in Yankee Stadium, among other indignities, was inherently challenging.

Follow every MLB game: Latest MLB scores, stats, schedules and standings.