Red Sox Star Says He’s Willing To Do ‘Whatever The Team Needs’

The Boston Red Sox are continuing to mix different lineup configurations following the Rafael Devers trade. Not everyone seems to mind the revolving door.

On Saturday, Jarren Duran started at designated hitter for the first time this season. Devers, who moved from third base after Boston signed Alex Bregman, filled that spot until the Red Sox sent him to the San Francisco Giants last Sunday.

Duran returns to the diamond to start at left field for Sunday’s game against San Francisco. During a pre-game clubhouse interview aired on NESN, the 2024 All-Star said he has no problem receiving a different assignment.

“It’s whatever,” Duran said. “Whatever the team needs. (Alex Cora) wants to get Roman (Anthony) out there to play some left field, and I’m willing to do whatever the team needs. Whatever AC tells me, I’m all on board for.”

One can wonder if these comments are a bit pointed toward his former teammate. Devers eventually accepted a move from third base to DH, but the star slugger resisted another switch to first base following an injury to Triston Casas.

Devers has started at DH against the Red Sox, but he said he’s willing to play first base for his new team.

After the trade, Duran called Devers “just one guy” on a Red Sox team with players “pulling on the same line to win.” The 28-year-old downplayed the Giants series taking on any extra meaning following the blockbuster.

“I just thought it was like any other series,” Duran said Sunday. “They got Rafy over there now, but it’s nothing we haven’t seen before. It’s just another player on the other team that — they’re just going to do his thing and we’re gonna do our thing.”

Cora hasn’t deployed the same lineup in consecutive days this week. Duran is on a short list of players who are ensured a nearly everyday spot and will be essential to keeping Boston’s lineup afloat without Devers.