FORT MYERS, Fla. – The Red Sox are aiming for Rafael Devers to make his Grapefruit League debut next Wednesday (March 5), either at third base or as the designated hitter.
“We are preparing him to play third base,” manager Alex Cora told reporters before Tuesday’s game at the Atlanta Braves’ complex in North Port. “That’s part of the progression. He’ll DH here and there.”
Cora also reiterated that Alex Bregman, who started at third base in his Red Sox debut on Sunday, will spend time at second during the remaining spring training games.
“I think people are making decisions already,” Cora said, “and we haven’t made decisions.”
One of the manager’s two All-Star third baseman already has his mind made up, though. In his first preseason media availability last week, Devers was adamant about wanting to remain at third base, answering “No” to questions about moving to the DH or first base. He reiterated that to reporters in the clubhouse on Tuesday, through translator Daveson Perez.
“I feel like I said everything I needed to say that day,“ Devers said. “I still feel the same way.”
Devers takes pride in being the third baseman, and has worked hard over the years to improve his defense, but Bregman would be an undeniable upgrade. He’s coming off his first Gold Glove season, in which he ranked in the 81st MLB Percentile in Fielding Run Value and 91st MLB percentile in Outs Above Average. (Devers ranked in the 18th and 8th percentiles, respectively.) Bregman led American League third basemen in a slew of metrics including assists, putouts, fielding percentage, and games, and his six Defensive Runs Saved were tied for second.
“I know the kind of player I am,” Devers said. “I know what I can do on both the offensive side of the ball and also on defense. I don’t know why it’s such a big deal. I know what I can do. I’m confident in what I can do.”
Somewhat contradictorily, Devers declared that the most important thing to him is that the team wins. He also said he wasn’t frustrated by the situation, and denied that there was any friction in the clubhouse.
“I don’t have the need to be frustrated about anything with anybody,” he said. “My family is good. My kids are good. I have no reason to be frustrated about anything. I don’t listen to what’s said. I don’t pay attention to what is said. I just know what I’m capable of.”
“I don’t need to be enemies with anybody,” he said. “I don’t have to take any type of pressure from anybody, or the media. I know what my talent is. The thing about me that makes me who I am is that I like to have fun. I like to smile. I like to play this game. It’s important to mention it is a game at the end of the day. I know I’m really good at this game.”
Wilyer Abreu is working out but remains unable to participate in baseball activities while he recovers from a viral gastrointestinal illness. He had another round of labs on Monday, and the Red Sox are awaiting the results. … Liam Hendriks and Aroldis Chapman are both scheduled to pitch Wednesday. … Walker Buehler is expected to make his Red Sox debut on Sunday.