Rafael Devers seems to be at odds with the Red Sox management.
Following a recent game, he mentioned that he didn’t want to provoke “non-positive” reactions from his teammates, according to a report by Gabriel Starr of the Boston Herald.
Red Sox executive Craig Breslow has spoken with Devers about possibly switching to first base, particularly after Triston Casas suffered a season-ending injury.
“I understand I’m a player, but they can’t expect me to play every position,” Devers said through a translator. “In spring training, they told me to basically put away my gloves.” He added, “I wasn’t going to play another position besides DH. I don’t think it’s a proper decision to ask me to switch again.”
The situation with Devers and the team has roots going back to spring training when they moved him from his usual spot to accommodate a new signing, Alex Bregman.
Although Devers was not thrilled about the position change, he managed to adapt. Now, with Casas out, the team is looking to fill the designated hitter role, whether by promoting someone from the active roster or perhaps calling up one of their promising prospects.
During a recent series against the Rangers, Boston used a mix of Romy Gonzalez and Abraham Toro at first base.
Devers remarked, “I’ve been told I can be a little difficult, but they already asked me to change positions once. This time, I don’t think I can be so flexible. I feel like they’re not sticking to what they promised—I was told I’d primarily play as a DH.”
Apparently, teammates are starting to wonder whether players are prioritizing their own roles over the team dynamics, especially as Devers appears resistant to making the switch.
Many in the league have experienced position changes, and while some might think differently, it’s seemingly complicated for Devers.
He pointed out that he hasn’t played major positions outside of third base, and reflects on the difficulty of such adjustments, especially given Breslow’s extensive playing background.
“He played the game, so he should understand that changing positions isn’t easy,” he said through a translator, reiterating that they put him in this challenging position without wanting him to switch again.
Devers advised that maybe the management should focus on finding another player. “I don’t want to be in the middle of this,” he expressed. The uncertainty looms as he jokes about hoping no one else gets hurt again.
