Rafael Devers ‘Gave 100%’ to Red Sox, Looks Ahead With New Club
Rafael Devers made it clear Friday that he has no interest in revisiting his exit from the Boston Red Sox.
Speaking to reporters at Oracle Park ahead of his first game against his former team, the longtime Red Sox third baseman repeatedly deflected questions about the trade that sent him to the San Francisco Giants.
Devers kept his focus on what lies ahead, as reported by Gabrielle Starr of the Boston Herald.
“I don’t want to talk about the past,” he said. “I just want to concentrate on my new team and my new teammates.”
Devers acknowledged that he was not surprised by the trade, but when asked if it was what he wanted, he declined to engage. He also stayed away from diving into what led to the split, saying only that he hoped to move forward.
He did, however, note one moment of miscommunication: the club’s request for him to learn first base following Triston Casas’ injury.
“If they would have asked me at the beginning of spring training, yes, I would have played,” Devers said. “I think that I do feel that I have earned some respect.”
Spring training ended on March 23. An established incumbent, Casas played 29 of 35 games at first base for the Red Sox this season before his injury on May 2nd.
Despite speculation, Devers dismissed reports of tension surrounding rookie Kristian Campbell and emphasized his respect for former teammates and manager Alex Cora. “We’re friends,” he said.
The 27-year-old has already begun working at first base in San Francisco but reiterated it is not an overnight adjustment.
Devers said he feels “very comfortable” with his new team and thanked Boston fans on his way out.
“I gave my 100 percent every time I went on the field,” he said. “I feel grateful for the fans that supported me.”