After saying all the wrong things early in spring training, Rafael Devers now is saying all the right things publicly. But has the Red Sox superstar truly changed his tune?
Devers, who began the spring by refusing to move off third base, will start the season as Boston’s designated hitter. Alex Bregman will handle third base, and star prospect Kristian Campbell will take over second base.
At least one report indicates Devers nearly requested a trade this spring amid his frustration with the Red Sox. However, on the eve of opening day, Devers told WEEI’s Rob Bradford that everything is fine.
“I’m ready to start the season. I’m feeling good,” Devers told Bradford through translator Daveson Perez. “No difference (in preparing for at-bats as a DH). I have the same sequence that I always do to go out there and hit. Nothing changes. I’m excited to get going. Spring training is way too long.”
So, is Devers truly on board with this change? Only time will tell, but it’s fair to wonder whether he still has a long-term future in Boston.
Devers probably still would be at third if not for the presence of Bregman, who’s the superior defender. Bregman offered his thoughts on his relationship with Devers during a recent conversation with NESN’s Tom Caron.
“It’s been great,” Bregman told Caron on Tuesday, as transcribed by NESN.com’s Adam London. “Obviously, I’ve always admired him. I feel like he’s one of the best players in all of baseball. I’ve always admired playing against him. And now, I’m super thrilled to be on his team and compete together for one goal and that’s to win baseball games and bring postseason baseball back to Boston.”
The Red Sox will open their season Thursday against the Texas Rangers.
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