The Boston Red Sox are just a few weeks removed from Opening Day, but their star still hasn't taken the field for a spring training game.
Rafael Devers was slated to make his Grapefruit League debut for the Red Sox on March 4 after a long offseason of rehabbing shoulder injuries. But Devers will not suit up against the Pirates, and his first spring training appearance will be further delayed.
Ian Browne of MLB.com reported on March 4 that Devers requested more time to prepare for game action. He told Red Sox manager Alex Cora that he hasn't felt "up to speed" in live batting practice, per Browne.
Cora said Boston would see where Devers' timing lands "over the weekend," which suggests he may not play in a game until next week, although his new debut date is not confirmed. The skipper also mentioned that he isn't worried about Devers' progress, which is the best news Sox fans could hope for with Opening Day looming just over three weeks from now.
Red Sox delay Rafael Devers' spring training debut, Alex Cora not concerned about his timeline
Alex Cora on Raffy's delayed Spring Training debut:
— Ian Browne (@IanMBrowne) March 4, 2025
“Raffy is not starting tomorrow. He asked me for more live BPs, so we’ll be good with that. We’ll see where we are over the weekend, but timing-wise, he’s off. I’m not worried about him.”
Boston's third baseman (or designated hitter, depending on where Alex Bregman will play) has been combatting shoulder injuries since spring training of last year. He played through the entire 2024 season with soreness in both shoulders, but scans didn't show any structural damage.
It should be noted that Devers didn't request extra time to take BP due to further injury or pain. He's been slow-played all spring so far, even after reporting to Fort Myers weeks earlier than he usually does. He may just need extra reps in the batter's box before he faces opposing pitchers, but any further delays in Devers' progress could raise red flags among Sox fans. It doesn't sound like his status for Opening Day is in question yet, and Red Sox Nation hopes it stays that way.