After Triston Casas' season-ending injury on May 3, the Boston Red Sox's lack of major league-ready first base depth has become clearer.
Romy González has received the majority of reps at the corner in Casas' absence, and Abraham Toro has appeared a few times. Neither seems like a permanent solution to the vacancy, though, especially as Boston pushes to make the postseason for the first time in four seasons.
Reporters, analysts and fans have wondered why Rafael Devers hasn't taken up first base with Casas out of commission. Red Sox manager Alex Cora stated that he likes Devers as the team's designated hitter. Cora said on May 6 that he had not approached Devers about taking over at first base and he did not plan to, but the door may have opened slightly before the Sox's May 7 game against Texas.
Alex Cora, Craig Breslow soften stance on Red Sox potentially using Rafael Devers at first base
Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow seems to be more open to a potential move back to the field for Devers. He explained his stance on the May 8 episode of WEEI's "The Greg Hill Show."
"We've had that conversation, kind of, internally and just batted around ideas as we're trying to surface every possible solution," Breslow said. "Now I think what Alex is pointing out, rightfully, is we want to make sure we're not creating one problem by solving another, and Raffy's greatest impact is going to be what he can do in the batter's box."
Wilyer Abreu continues to rake! #MLB
— The Greg Hill Show (@TheGregHillShow) May 8, 2025
What has been the difference for Abreu this year? Red Sox Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow joins and explains! @WEEI pic.twitter.com/P4qbJmeAKj
Breslow didn't rule out asking Devers to take over at first base, but he emphasized that his defense is still a concern. Devers, himself, may not even want to play first base — he's avoided multiple interviews with Red Sox media since Casas' injury.
Boston may need to become more open to the possibility of playing Devers at first base, which is reflected in Breslow and Cora's latest comments. An injury scare with González during the Sox's May 7 game revealed how precarious their defensive situation at the corner is. González had to exit the game after a collision at first base and Toro, who's been less reliable at the plate, had to take over. The utility player is sore after the incident, but no injuries have been reported. The Red Sox expect to have him back in the lineup by the weekend.
The Red Sox softening their stance on Devers taking over at first base could mean another position change is coming for the star. Still, the Red Sox front office said it would pursue all its options, and using Devers in the field again seems to be near the bottom of its list.