What did we expect from the Red Sox-Texas Rangers clash? A high-tension game and Rafael Devers doing great in his new role as a designated hitter. But what did we get? A rather disappointing performance from the Red Sox’s third baseman. Rafael Devers was expected to show his mettle and prove his potential as a hitter. However, even the biggest stars can be shocked and surprised by baseball, as we all know. So what happened?
The Boston Red Sox’s Rafael Devers has set an unwanted record after striking out 10 times in just three games this season. Devers, as everyone knows him, has had a good 2024 season with .272 averages and .354 OBP, .870 OPS, and he also posted 28 home runs and 83 RBIs. However, his poor display in the recent game has been the talking point currently. The Red Sox’s manager, Alex Cora, finally breaks his silence on this matter. What did he say?
In a twist of fate, Rafael Devers doesn’t seem to be suited for the new role as a designated hitter ever since Alex Cora confirmed that Alex Bregman would be playing third base. Devers is now the first player in the history of the MLB to strike out ten times, with Wally Post and Greg Luzinski reaching that nine mark much before in 1956 and 1974, respectively. Alex Cora, when asked about Devers’ struggling by NESN, seemed to have an excuse for everything. Cora said, “Not catching up with the fastball. He’s gonna keep working. That’s what he’s been doing the whole time, and he’ll be alright.”
“He’s feeling good about himself… we’ll keep playing him. Move him around and obviously take care of him when we have to.”
Alex Cora on Kristian Campbell pic.twitter.com/P14e2aMHoG
— NESN (@NESN) March 30, 2025
Going by Cora’s response, everything looks fine the way he planned as he instilled faith in Devers. However, the Dominican Star hasn’t done much as per the expectations, even in 2024, where he batted at an average of just .274. However, Rafael Devers managed to produce an RBI, which also came due to a walk and not because of his bat. However, Cora still trusts him, and they would like to continue playing him while managing his workload to some extent.
Meanwhile, it looks like Alex Cora’s contingency plan didn’t pay off the way he expected it to be. But why?
Alex Cora’s plan behind the Red Sox strategy doesn’t seem to pay off
The Boston Red Sox’s third baseman, Rafael Devers, was always against shifting from third base to second base. With the inclusion of Alex Bregman in the roster, there was tension regarding who might play third base. Until Alex Cora provided a clear directive about Bregman, who would play third base, and Devers would have to shift in the new role as a designated hitter. While this came as a surprise for many, it wasn’t for Alex Cora, as he wanted to stop the debate surrounding the two players fighting over that position constantly. However, given the way Devers performed during the game, it seems like the gamble didn’t pay off. But that’s not all!
Even in case Rafael Devers plays as a full-time designated hitter, what happens when Alex Bregman might be away from the game in case of injury or other reasons? Cora gave an answer to it, citing that their infielders, David Hamilton and Romy Gonzalez, would likely play third base in Bregman’s absence. But that would definitely weaken the Red Sox’s lineup, given that they signed Bregman because they needed a right-handed batter who could contribute consistently for the team.
What, according to you, might be the reasons behind Devers’ dismal performance, and what should Alex Cora do in the upcoming times? Let us know in the comments section below.
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