Red Sox DH Rafael Devers Rejects Move to First Base After Injury

BOSTON, Massachusetts — Boston Red Sox designated hitter Rafael Devers has turned down the team’s request for him to switch positions from DH to first base in the wake of an injury to Tristan Casas.

In a press conference on Thursday, Devers, a three-time All-Star, expressed his frustration over the team’s suggestion. This comes after Casas was ruled out for the season due to a ruptured tendon in his left knee, requiring surgery. Devers made it clear that he does not want to change positions again after previously being asked to move from third base to DH during spring training.

“They came to me and talked to me about it. I know I’m a ballplayer, but at the same time, they can’t expect me to play every single position out there,” Devers said after hitting a home run in Boston’s 5-0 victory over the Texas Rangers. “Right now, I don’t think it would be an appropriate decision by them to ask me to play another position.”

Devers, who signed a 10-year, $313.5 million contract with the Red Sox in January 2023, mentioned that he recently spoke with Craig Breslow, the club’s chief baseball officer, about playing first in Casas’ absence. The current plan has seen the Red Sox utilize a platoon of utility players at first base.

“He [Breslow] played ball. I would like to think that he knows that changing positions isn’t easy,” Devers added through interpreter Daveson Perez. “Now, they should do their jobs essentially and hit the market and look for another player.”

On Friday, Red Sox owner John Henry visited Kansas City to meet with Devers after the player publicly criticized the organization for their handling of position switches. Henry’s visit aimed to address tensions following Devers’ comments about feeling blindsided by the management’s decisions and lack of communication regarding position changes.

Devers continued to emphasize his commitment to the DH role, stating, “They told me I was going to play this position, DH. Now they’re going back on that.” Even after his frustrations, he declined to comment further following the meeting with Henry.

Breslow acknowledged that it is crucial to foster open communication with players, saying, “It’s my job to always put the priorities of the organization first, but I should also be evaluating every interaction I have with players, and I’ll continue to do that.” The ongoing discussions about Devers’ position will determine future lineup adjustments, as the team aims to keep a competitive roster.

As the Red Sox navigate these challenges, Devers remains focused on his role as a DH, with hopes of maintaining productivity for the season.