Rafael Devers Delays Spring Training Start

FORT MYERS, Fla. — Boston Red Sox star Rafael Devers was anticipated to appear in a spring training game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday, but his debut is postponed. After participating in live batting practice, Devers shared with Red Sox manager Alex Cora that he did not feel adequately prepared.
Cora has not specified a new date for the three-time All-Star’s debut but hinted that it may be delayed until the weekend. Last season, Devers achieved a .272 batting average with 28 home runs and 83 RBIs. Despite dealing with soreness in both shoulders, he has been focused on strengthening them during the initial weeks of spring training to be ready for the 162-game regular season.
The position Devers will assume upon his return remains uncertain. The Red Sox recently acquired two-time All-Star Alex Bregman on a $120 million, three-year contract, adding a Gold Glove recipient at third base. Devers, whose fielding metrics have not always been favorable, has led the American League in errors on three occasions over the past seven seasons.
Although Devers has expressed reluctance to transition to designated hitter (DH), insisting last month, “Third base is my position,” it is possible he could continue in that role while Bregman shifts to second base, a position Bregman has only played nine times in his eight-year major league career.
Manager Cora emphasized that the team is focused on constructing the best roster possible. “The decisions that are going to be made here about roster construction and about what we’re going to do in the future, we’re going to make sure we have the best team possible out there,” Cora said. He recognized Devers’ determination, stating, “He feels like he’s a third baseman. He’s going to work out as a third baseman and then we’ll make decisions accordingly.”
Cora concluded, “I think here it’s not about Bregman or Devers or Cora. It’s about the Red Sox.”