Boston Red Sox fans have been awaiting Rafael Devers' spring debut since training camp began nearly a month ago. On March 11, Red Sox Nation learned it would have to wait longer.
Multiple sources report that the Red Sox have delayed Devers' spring training debut to Saturday, March 15. The 28-year-old was initially slated for his first Grapefruit League appearance on March 11 or 12 after he was given more time to work on his timing in the batter's box as he heals from two shoulder injuries that began last spring training.
No reason for Devers' additional progress delay has been reported. He'll face Garrett Crochet and Walker Buehler in simulation games on Wednesday and Thursday, according to Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic.
Before the Sox's previous delay of Devers' spring training debut, manager Alex Cora said he wasn't worried about the slugger. Red Sox fans' worries are mounting, though, as Opening Day is just over two weeks away and Devers still hasn't played any third base in a game. Alex Bregman has gotten most of the reps as Boston's third baseman, but there's no telling where he'll play on Opening Day until Devers is back in action.
Rafael Devers' Grapefruit League debut delayed again, Brayan Bello won't be ready for Red Sox Opening Day
The Red Sox also issued another update on Brayan Bello's recovery from shoulder soreness. The team's 2024 Opening Day starter will not be on this year's Opening Day roster.
Boston told reporters on March 11 that Bello would not be ready for action in time for its season opener against the Rangers on March 27. Cora said the righty is "behind" the other pitchers in camp and there's no sense rushing him for Opening Day. The skipper said he expects Bello to be ready for action in April.
Sean McAdam of MassLive reports that Cora expects Bello to pitch in a spring training game before the team heads to Monterrey, MX, for two exhibition games against the Sultanes of the Mexican Pacific League.
Bello will join Kutter Crawford on the injured list to start the 2025 season. Luckily for the Red Sox, they have enough pitching depth to account for his absence — Quinn Priester, Richard Fitts, Cooper Criswell, Hunter Dobbins or Michael Fulmer could get the call to step into the rotation in Bello's stead.