Rafael Devers Opens Up About Red Sox Asking Him To Play First Base

Rafael Devers revealed Thursday the Boston Red Sox did in fact approach him to play first base following Triston Casas’ season-ending knee injury.

Devers turned down the option, though.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said earlier this week the Red Sox had not had a conversation about Devers switching to first base and that they didn’t plan to have one. But Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow had already had that discussion with the three-time All-Star.

“They had the conversation with me,” Devers said through translator Daveson Perez following Boston’s win over the Texas Rangers at Fenway Park, per MassLive’s Christopher Smith. “I don’t think for me personally it’s the best decision after they asked me to play a different position and I only have two months of playing this position. To all of a sudden have me try to play another position … from my end, it doesn’t seem like a good decision.”

The signing of Alex Bregman this offseason prompted the Red Sox to move Rafael Devers off third base — where he played his first eight seasons with Boston — to being the team’s full-time designated hitter. It was a change Devers balked at first before accepting.

“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. “In spring training, they talked to me and basically told me to put away my glove — that I wasn’t going to play any other position but DH. So right now, I just feel like it’s not an appropriate decision by them to ask me to play another position.”

With Devers not willing to play first base, the Red Sox have platooned Romy Gonzalez and journeyman infielder Abraham Toro in Casas’ absence. Gonzalez left Wednesday’s win over the Rangers after colliding with Josh Smith, but Cora had a promising update on Gonzalez on Thursday.

But long-term, the Red Sox probably need a more solidified option at the corner infield spot as they look to compete in the American League. Devers believes the front office should look to trade for a first baseman.

“They told me that they didn’t want to allow me to play any other position,” Devers said. “And now I think they should do their job essentially and hit the market and look for another player (to play first base). I’m not sure why they want me to be in between the way they have me now.”

Perhaps the situation could play out like the move to DH with Devers reversing course. But it doesn’t look like Devers will change his stance this time.

“I don’t think so,” Devers said. “They told me I’m a little hard-headed. They already asked me to change once and this time I don’t think I can be as flexible.”