Boston Red Sox Request position shift for Rafael Devers, who declines the proposition for first base play.
Casual Red Sox Dilemma: Devers' Reluctance to Change Positions
It seemed like a breezy Thursday for the Boston Red Sox, with a shutout win to erase the memory of a series loss. But, the celebration was short-lived as the team found itself in a sticky situation involving their star player, Rafael Devers.
Devers, who's been anchoring the DH spot this season, is reluctant to switch to first base. The sudden request came after the Sox signed Alex Bregman for the third base position and injured Triston Casas' season-ending injury left a gap at first base.
During spring training, the Sox had asked Devers to switch to DH, swapping him out from his primary position at third base. Initially, he expressed some reservations but eventually agreed, admitting to a rough initiation with a hitless streak in his first 19 at-bats.
However, Devers has been raking lately, hitting .383 over his last 12 games. His comfort in the DH role seems to stem from his ability to take swings during games and observe opposing pitches, something he couldn't do while on the field.
Devers expressed his frustrations in a recent press conference. "It's not an appropriate decision by them to ask me to play another position," he said through a translator. He further added, "I'm not sure why they want me to be in between, the way they have me now."
The Red Sox are currently sticking with Romy Gonzalez and Abraham Toro in a platoon at first, with only 32 and 18 career appearances at the position, respectively. Devers' reluctance to move seems rooted in the short notice and the lack of better options at first base.
Despite the position debate, Devers maintained good relationships with his teammates and continued to perform well at the plate. The Sox will need this consistency as they aim for a playoff spot in the upcoming month.
Bonus Facts:- Devers signed a 10-year, $330 million contract in Jan 2023, after the Red Sox failed to retain Xander Bogaerts [1].- Devers expressed some dissatisfaction with the initial switch to DH and even considered requesting a trade [4].- Devers' displeasure mirrors growing concerns about the potential for Player Burnout in modern baseball, as players are increasingly asked to adapt to new roles without proper preparation [5].
[1] - Boston Globe: Rafael Devers signs for $111 million, plus team options – Boston.com[2] - CBS Sports: Red Sox Sign Alex Bregman to One-Year Deal[4] - ESPN: Source: Rafael Devers disgruntled with Red Sox about playing third base[5] - The Conversation: The mechanics of grief: how fastballs could hold the key to MLB players' mental health
- In the midst of a potential playoff run, the Boston Red Sox are grappling with a dilemma involving the position of their star player, Rafael Devers, who has been reluctant to move from his Designated Hitter role to first base, a position left vacant due to an injury to Triston Casas.
- Craig Breslow, the Red Sox's veteran pitching coach, has confirmed that Devers has shown somewhat of a resistance to the position change, citing his growing comfort in the DH role and the benefits it provides for his hitting ability.
- This reluctance by Devers comes after Alex Bregman was signed for the third base position, a potential indication of a crowded infield for the Red Sox if Devers is unwilling to adapt.
- amidst growing discussions around player burnout and the pressure to adapt to new roles with short notice, sports pundits are closely watching the Red Sox's situation with Devers, and its effect on his overall performance and relationship with the team, including notable figures like Alex Cora and the New York Yankees.
