Rafael Devers hasn't yet appeared in a Boston Red Sox spring training game and is a bit behind on his workouts due to lingering shoulder injuries from the 2024 season.
The Red Sox on Feb. 25 announced the next step in the infielder's rehab. Christopher Smith of MassLive reported that Devers will take live batting practice on Feb. 26 for the first time this spring. The 28-year-old is slated to play in his first Grapefruit League game next week. The team is targeting Wednesday, March 5 for his debut.
Devers has been hitting off a pitching machine so far in camp. His first day on the field taking grounders was Feb. 22, but he still wasn't throwing at 100%.
Red Sox manager Alex Cora confirmed that Devers will get reps at third base throughout spring training to prepare to potentially play there throughout the year, as reported by Ian Browne of MLB.com. Alex Bregman will play second base during spring training. Cora emphasized that no final decision regarding the two infielders' positions during the regular season has been made.
Red Sox update on Rafael Devers' rehab, position battle with Alex Bregman
Alex Cora said the Red Sox are shooting for Devers to play his first game a week from Wednesday, at third base. He reiterated no decisions have been made. Said Bregman will play second base during Spring Training.
— Ian Browne (@IanMBrowne) February 25, 2025
Bregman started at third base in Boston's Feb. 22 game against the Blue Jays. The longtime Astros third baseman is splitting his time working out between second and third base this spring training and told media that he would play wherever Cora needs to help the team win. Devers, on the other hand, was not so accommodating.
Devers' vehement refusal to move off third base came off as out of character for the soft-spoken face of the Red Sox franchise, but he's proud of his ability to post on defense every day. Bregman is undeniably the better defensive choice, but moving him to third and Devers to designated hitter would create many question marks around the roster.
Devers has been given a chance to prove himself against an already proven defender at the hot corner. He's made some highlight-worthy plays at third base in his career but lacks the consistency Bregman brought to Houston's left side for nine seasons. If he hopes to win the third base job he's rarely had to compete for, he'll have to become consistent and agile enough to beat Bregman at his own game.