“Can’t expect me to play all positions”- Drama unfolds in Red Sox as Rafael Devers insists on playing third base

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / May 10, 2025, 08:08 IST

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Rafael Devers of the Boston Red Sox is hesitant to switch to first base following Triston Casas' injury, a move the team requested. Devers, previously moved to designated hitter for Alex Bregman, feels the team isn't honoring their word. He suggests they find a new player instead, emphasizing the difficulty of changing positions.

“Can’t expect me to play all positions”- Drama unfolds in Red Sox as Rafael Devers insists on playing third base

Drama unfolds in Red Sox as Rafael Devers insists on playing third base (Image Source: Getty)

Boston Red Sox’s ace, Rafael Devers, feels he doesn't want to move to first base, despite the team asking him to, after another player, Triston Casas, got hurt for the season. Members with the Red Sox haven’t been okay with Devers’ recent comments over the issue. Interestingly, this isn’t the first time he has made such comments. Earlier as well, Devers had asked to switch positions.

Operation Sindoor

Drama unfolds after Rafael Devers’ reaction

Earlier, Rafael Devers became a designated hitter, so his teammate Alex Bregman could play third base. The team manager, Craig Breslow, had asked him again to change positions, but Devers made it clear he didn't want to. He told Associated Press:“I know I’m a ballplayer, but at the same time, they can’t expect me to play every single position out there. In spring training, they talked to me and basically told me to put away my glove, I wasn’t going to play another position other than DH. Right now, I don’t think it would be an appropriate decision by them to ask me to play another position.”

The Red Sox moved Rafael Devers from third base to designated hitter earlier this year to make space for Alex Bregman, and while Devers wasn’t happy, he still went along with it. Now, with Triston Casas being left injured for the season, the team needs someone at first base.

Rafael Devers added: “They told me that I’m a little hard-headed, but they already asked me to change (positions) once, This time, I don’t think I can be as flexible. I don’t feel they stayed true to their word. They told me I was going to play this position, DH. Now they’re going back on that.”

Rafael Devers says changing positions isn’t easy

Further, Rafael Devers explained how changing positions isn’t easy, he said:“He (Craig Breslow) played ball. I would like to think that he knows that changing positions isn’t easy, They put me in this situation. They told me they didn’t want me to play any other positions.”When Devers was asked how Craig Breslow could act better in this situation, he said:“Now, they should do their jobs essentially and hit the market and look for another player. I’m not sure why they want me to be an in-between,” he said. “Next thing you know, someone in the outfield gets hurt and they want me to play in the outfield. I know the kind of player that I am, and that’s where I stand.”Also Read: "Can’t Have This Attitude"- Fans Blast Rafael Devers For Setting Bad Sportsmanship Example After Refusing To Play At First Base For Red Sox

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TOI Sports Desk

The TOI Sports Desk excels in a myriad of roles that capture the essence of live sporting events and deliver compelling content to readers worldwide. From running live blogs for India and non-India cricket matches to global spectacles featuring Indian talents, like the Chess World Cup final featuring Praggnanandhaa and the Badminton World Championships semifinal featuring HS Prannoy, our live coverage extends to all mega sporting events. We extensively cover events like the Olympics, Asian Games, Cricket World Cups, FIFA World Cups, and more. The desk is also adept at writing comprehensive match reports and insightful post-match commentary, complemented by stats-based articles that provide an in-depth analysis of player performances and team dynamics. We track news wires for key stories, conduct exclusive player interviews in both text and video formats, and file content from print editions and reporters. We keep track of all viral stories, trending topics and produce our own copies on the subjects. We deliver accurate, engaging, and up-to-the-minute sports content, round the clock.

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