Rafael Devers’ Opening Day Position (Sort Of) Revealed By Red Sox

Rafael Devers made it abundantly clear that he wanted to be the third baseman for the Boston Red Sox on Opening Day.

We don’t think he’s going to get that wish, though.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora revealed that it is “very unlikely” the veteran slugger will play third base before the end of spring training, MassLive’s Chris Cotillo reported Wednesday. It’s also very unlikely that he misses the start of the season, so what’s next?

Devers, in all likelihood, will be the designated hitter on Opening Day in Texas. Cora still isn’t ready to admit it, though.

“I’ll say that whenever I have to say it but right now, (Alex Bregman) is playing third today and Raffy’s DHing today,” Cora said on Wednesday, per Cotillo.

Boston was forced to navigate some pretty muddy waters to reach this point. Devers initially refused to make a position change, insisting he stay at third base despite the offseason addition of Bregman. The Red Sox were able to weather that storm, however, with their best roster coming together to keep Devers and Bregman available for the start of the season.

David Hamilton, Kristian Campbell, Vaughn Grissom and Marcelo Mayer were also given an expanded chance to solidify their roles, with Hamilton and Grissom potentially earning their spot on the roster at second base.

Boston was always going to be better off having Devers make a position change, and it looks like he officially will.