Why Did Rafael Devers Call Out Red Sox Management? Controversy Explained

Baseball player Rafael Devers voiced clear frustration on Thursday (May 08) over the Red Sox’s recent request that he switch positions to first base following Triston Casas’ season-ending knee injury. Devers, who was moved to designated hitter (DH) after Boston signed Gold Glove third baseman Alex Bregman in spring training, made it clear he has no intention of switching roles again.

“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 through team translator Daveson Perez after a 5-0 win over the Rangers. “In spring training, they told me I wasn’t going to play anything but DH, so I just don’t think this is the right decision.”

The 28-year-old said chief baseball officer Craig Breslow approached him about possibly taking over at first following Casas’ injury.

“I’m not sure what he thinks of me,” Devers said. “He played the game, he should know how hard it is to switch positions like that. They told me I wouldn’t play the field again, and now they’re changing the plan. I think they should do their jobs and go find another player.”

Devers, who hadn’t addressed the media since Casas was hurt, was upset about being asked to change roles again after already adjusting to the DH position this season. Tensions had previously cooled after Devers reluctantly accepted the DH assignment. After a slow start at the plate, he’s bounced back, hitting .285 with an .896 OPS over the last month. But his latest comments suggest friction with the front office has reignited.

Devers also expressed concern that this kind of position shuffle might become a recurring issue.

Devers signed a 10-year, $313.5 million extension in 2023, which took effect this season. With eight years left, both he and the Red Sox could be navigating a rocky road ahead.

In the meantime, the Red Sox have been using utility players Romy Gonzalez and Abraham Toro at first base. Manager Alex Cora had initially insisted Devers would stay at DH, but earlier this week acknowledged things “might change.” For now, the team appears to be rolling forward without Devers at first and without a clear resolution in sight.

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