The Boston Red Sox made a critical decision to make Rafael Devers a permanent designated hitter. The move caused controversy, especially when they asked him to play first base when Triston Casas went down.
When Casas went down with a knee injury, the Red Sox approached Devers about playing first base. However, he did not take kindly to their request and went on a rant about how the organization was mistreating him and not staying true to their word about him being the team’s everyday designated hitter.
When Devers called out the front office, many thought all conversations about him playing defense were put to rest. However, after an injury to Alex Bregman, questions about him playing defense again are relevant. Manager Alex Cora noted that Devers will not return to third base with Bregman out, but they are still having conversations about him playing first base.
“We keep talking about the other position, but as of now, it’s not happening,” Cora said when asked about Devers playing third base with Bregman injured.
“We’re still talking about the situation. This is where we’re at. There’s a chance (Kristian Campbell) will play first base this weekend in Atlanta. There are conversations. I don’t have to go into specifics, but the third base part of it, it’s a no.”
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Devers has made it clear he does not want to play first base. He felt that the team was not considering the difficulty of his changing positions. Even switching to be a designated hitter was an adjustment as he started the year 0-for-19. He did originally state he would not even give up third base, but that clearly changed.
As the Red Sox continue to struggle, Devers may be forced to play first base to get production from that spot in the lineup. That would also open the designated hitter slot up for Masataka Yoshida when he returns, or potentially help get Roman Anthony called up.
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