Big Papi’s Got Devers Back! David Ortiz Supports Rafael Devers Amid Alex Bregman Controversy
Boston Red Sox legend David Ortiz can’t necessarily relate to Rafael Devers’ ongoing frustration about where he’ll play this season.
Nonetheless, Ortiz has the All-Star slugger’s back in a big way.
As a longtime designated hitter, Ortiz regularly reported to the stadium not worrying about fielding ground balls. Ortiz didn’t play double-digit games at first base in a season from 2007 through his 2016 retirement, and he was fine with it.
We can’t say the same for Devers, who signed a long-term extension with the Red Sox in 2023 expecting to permanently play third base. However, Boston added signed Gold Glove-winning third baseman Alex Bregman, who could start at the hot corner and force Devers to become a full-time DH.
Devers publicly declared he’s not a DH and has no intentions of switching positions. Currently at Red Sox camp in Florida, Ortiz recently told the Baseball Isn’t Boring podcast he sympathizes with Devers.
“I don’t want him to feel disappointed about the way the organization makes the move,” Ortiz said.
“Sometimes there’s a situation that happens, and you have to move fast,” Ortiz added.
Outside of two games at shortstop and second base, Devers has exclusively played third base in the majors. It is unclear if the Red Sox will consider playing Devers at first base if Triston Casas sits or plays DH.
The Red Sox’s official website lists Bregman and Devers as the starting second and third basemen, respectively. Bregman saw third base reps earlier in spring training, and he hasn’t played second base since 2018.
Bregman only played third base or designated hitter the last five seasons. We’ll see what the Red Sox have planned to solve their infield conundrum—and, potentially, keep Devers happy.
