Why Former Red Sox Star Rafael Devers Is Starting At DH Again

In a well-recognized sight to Boston Red Sox followers, Rafael Devers is not enjoying the infield to start out the 2026 season.

The San Francisco Giants are beginning Devers at designated hitter for the second straight recreation. He’ll bat third towards the New York Yankees on Friday.

Casey Schmitt will draw one other begin at first base, the place Devers completed the 2025 marketing campaign after Boston traded him to San Francisco. Giants supervisor Tony Vitello defined earlier than the sport, per NBC Sports Bay Area’s Alex Pavlovicthat Devers is feeling “a little bit” of a hamstring concern.

Although Devers might play first base if essential, the Giants do not wish to rush him again to the diamond.

Devers’ defensive place was a scorching speaking level final 12 months. Despite preferring to remain at third base, the two-time Silver Slugger accepted a transfer to DH after the Red Sox signed Alex Bregman to play the new nook.

During the season, Devers resisted one other shift to first base after Triston Casas injured his knee. The Red Sox pulled off a shocking blockbuster in June, sending the All-Star to the Giants for Kyle Harrison, Jordan Hicks, James Tibbs III and Jose Bello.

Bello stays the one a kind of gamers within the Red Sox group, however Roman Anthony’s arrival and a playoff berth eased some disappointment about shifting Devers. Furthermore, Devers posted a modest .236/.347/.460 slash line in 90 video games after the commerce.

The Red Sox now have the DH spot obtainable to maintain their 4 outfielders (Anthony, Jarren Duran, Wilyer Abreu and Ceddanne Rafaela) within the beginning lineup. They acquired Willson Contreras to play first base and moved Harrison in a commerce for third baseman Caleb Durbin.

Red Sox followers have incentive to root for Devers with the Giants going through a Yankees squad he is tormented all through his profession. The 29-year-old will face Massachusetts native Cam Schlittler after going 1-for-4 with a single in Wednesday evening’s season-opening loss.

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