Red Sox News: Rafael Devers misses second game in a row due to ankle

Red Sox lose Rafael Devers for another night

Tonight’s lineups have been posted and for the second night in a row, the Red Sox will be without dynamic third baseman Rafael Devers. The young infielder is dealing with a slight ankle injury and was even seen at Fenway Park last night in a boot. Though Ron Roenicke said he may be available to pinch-hit, the slugger was left on the bench.

Ahead of tonight’s clash with the Rays Roenicke has said a similar message in that Devers may be available off the bench but it’s unclear what the situation would need to be for that to happen. For my money, I’d much rather see Raffy get a few nights off to heal up whatever’s going on with the ankle to ensure that he’ll be healthy down the stretch.

Per Roenicke, Devers isn’t dealing with anything severe but he does have some swelling due to landing on the first base bag wrong on Sunday.

"“It’s not a bad sprain or anything,” Roenicke added about Devers. “Just make sure there’s no swelling in there. A lot of times they put on compression things to make sure it won’t swell. If you can get that liquid out of there faster, you’re going to heal better.”"

Raffy worked with the trainers on both Monday and Tuesday to do what was necessary to get him back on the field as soon as possible, per Roenicke. I don’t see him getting into tonight’s game even if it’s close. His offense and defense have been all over the place in 2020 and I don’t think the Red Sox need to risk aggravating it any further.

Devers was one of MLB’s biggest breakout stars in 2019 and he instantly became one of Boston’s big bats in the lineup. He finished the campaign with a .311/.361/.555/.916 line while also leading the league in doubles (54) and total bases (359). He and Xander Bogaerts would become the first teammates in the history of the game to both enter the “30/50 Club.” Sadly, whatever magic he captured in 2019 hasn’t followed him to 2020 and he’s showing much of the lack of discipline he had before.

"“He’ll come in and check with the medical staff,” Roenicke said. “They’ll look at how he is. Probably doubtful that he will start the game tomorrow but maybe we can get him and use him for a pinch-hitter in a big situation.”"

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In 2018 and early 2019, Devers was thought of as a defensive liability while also being a high-risk hitter who would swing at anything thrown his way. As last year progressed he silenced those doubters and excelled on both sides of the ball. Well, that narrative is quickly reverting back to the old tale as he’s already racked up 5 errors this season and is batting a paltry .175/.242/.351/.593. He’s also struck out 21 times in just 62 plate appearances, not a good ratio for the Red Sox.

Though it may not be anything too severe as far as his ankle is concerned, I’d much rather he rest and try to regroup ahead of the upcoming series with the Yankees. Considering how poorly he’s hit the ball so far this year it’s not like the Red Sox offense will be missing him all too much. The tweaked ankle has also given us a chance to see Jonathan Arauz get into some games and he hasn’t disappointed.

The Red Sox need Rafael Devers to be at his best, and if that means that he has to sit a few games to get healthy then so be it. This season is structured in such a compounded way that almost every team has a chance at the postseason. If Boston can string together some solid wins then they’ll find themselves back in the hunt. The last thing they’ll want is for Raffy’s ankle to fully give out just as the calendar flips to October.