MLB Insider Reveals Disturbing Trend After Rafael Devers Trade

When the Boston Red Sox return to Fenway Park to open a new series against the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday, they’ll be trying to snap a five-game losing streak after going 3-6 on the recent 10-day West Coast road trip.

Boarding the team plane as news of the trade that sent disgruntled designated hitter Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants was starting to spread, the team was forced to face the reality of trying to win ballgames without their All-Star slugger.

After being swept by the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday in a 5-2 defeat, Devers’ absence from a Red Sox lineup that has scored four runs over their last 19 innings appears to be a serious problem lacking an obvious solution.

Posting on social media after the game, USA Today baseball insider Bob Nightengale took a wider look at the production the Red Sox have received from designated hitters during the nine games since the Devers trade was completed, and the numbers are sobering, to say the least.

“You think the Boston Red Sox are missing Rafael Devers’ bat?,” wrote Nightengale.”The Red Sox DH production since the Devers trade: Batting average: .182. On-base percentage: .270 Slugging percentage: .273 OPS: .543 HRs: 1 (lone extra-base hit) RBI: 3 Runs: 3 Walks: 3 Strikeouts: 12 Record: 3-6.”

While Red Sox manager Alex Cora has been given more flexibility when it comes to fielding his team and rotating the DH spot to give players rest, the offensive numbers by Red Sox hitters penciled into that role have experienced a remarkable drop in production over the nine games.

With Major League Baseball’s trade deadline fast approaching, the Red Sox front office may have players such as Atlanta Braves slugger Marcell Ozuna on their radar as possible replacements for Devers.

That being said, the team will try to get back to scoring runs and winning games when they face the Blue Jays for a three-game series at Fenway Park this weekend.