Rafael Devers Expresses Frustration Over Move to First Base: ‘I Can’t Be Expected to Play Every Position’

BOSTON — Rafael Devers is feeling frustrated. After Triston Casas suffered a season-ending knee injury, the Red Sox asked him to play first base. But Devers is resistant to the change.

“I know I’m a ballplayer, but they can’t expect me to play every position,” he said. “In spring training, they told me I’d only be the designated hitter, so I feel like it’s not fair to ask me to switch now.”

Devers, 28, had a conversation with chief baseball officer Craig Breslow after Casas’ injury. He expressed concern that changing positions isn’t easy, especially when you’ve been given a specific role. “They told me I wasn’t going to play anywhere else, so I think they should look for another player,” he added.

Until now, Devers hadn’t addressed the media since the injury, despite several requests. The Red Sox had signed reigning AL Gold Glove third baseman Alex Bregman in spring training and moved Devers to DH. Initially unhappy, Devers eventually adjusted but now seems uneasy again.

He’s hitting .255 this season, with a solid .834 OPS and six homers. Over the past month, however, he’s improved, hitting .285 with an .896 OPS. Still, this tension has resurfaced regarding his position.

When asked if he was upset about being asked to move, he didn’t hesitate: “Yes, of course. They haven’t been true to their word. They told me I would be DH, and now they’re going back on that.”

Despite these discussions, Devers seems unlikely to change his stance on playing first base. “I don’t think so,” he replied, adding that he is known to be “hard-headed.”

This situation puts Devers at a crossroads with the organization. In 2023, he signed a 10-year, $313.5 million contract extension, starting in 2024. Now, with eight years left, it’s unclear how this friction will develop.

Since Casas’ injury, the Red Sox have relied on utility players Romy Gonzalez and Abraham Toro at first base. Meanwhile, manager Alex Cora stated that Devers would stay as DH for now but acknowledged that may change in the future.

“I think the most important thing is he feels comfortable at DH,” Cora said. "As of now, Toro and Gonzalez are working for us, and we want Raffy to just be Raffy.”

The Red Sox are currently 20-19, coming off two wins against the Rangers. As they prepare for a challenging series against Detroit and Kansas City, the uncertainty around Devers’ role continues to loom.

Both fans and players are watching closely. Social media reactions show a mix of support and concern for Devers as he navigates this difficult situation. Ultimately, how the team resolves this will be crucial for the rest of the season.

For more insights on player dynamics and team changes, you can refer to ESPN.

Photo: Jaiden Tripi / Getty Images

Source link

Boston Red Sox, MLB