Red Sox Slugger Rafael Devers Delays Spring Training Debut

Boston Red Sox slugger Rafael Devers, who was scheduled to make his spring training debut on Tuesday, has decided to push it back after informing manager Alex Cora that he did not feel ready during live batting practice. While Cora did not specify when the three-time All-Star will play, he suggested that it might not be until this weekend. Devers spent the early weeks of spring training strengthening his shoulders, which caused him discomfort last season. Despite the soreness, he managed to hit .272 with 28 home runs and 83 RBIs in 2024. The Red Sox are eagerly anticipating his return, but it remains uncertain where Devers will play once he is back on the field.
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The addition of two-time All-Star Alex Bregman to the Red Sox roster this offseason has added to the uncertainty surrounding Devers' position. Bregman, who signed a three-year, $120 million contract, is a Gold Glove winner at third base, a position where Devers has struggled defensively. Devers has led the American League or tied for the lead in errors three times in the past seven seasons. Despite the fielding challenges, Devers is reluctant to move to the designated hitter role, stating last month, "Third base is my position." The Red Sox will need to find a balance that maximizes their defensive strength while keeping Devers' powerful bat in the lineup.