Red Sox's Devers Not Ready For Emergency Field Duty, Says Manager Cora

James

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Post on Jun 16, 2025

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Red Sox's Devers Not Ready for Emergency Field Duty, Says Manager Cora

Boston, MA – Rafael Devers, the Boston Red Sox's star third baseman, is not currently equipped to handle emergency outfield duty, according to manager Alex Cora. This revelation comes after a recent game where the Red Sox found themselves short-handed in the outfield, highlighting a potential vulnerability in the team's defensive strategy.

Cora's statement, made during a post-game press conference, clarified the team's approach to utilizing Devers' versatility. While Devers is known for his powerful bat and occasional defensive contributions at other positions, Cora emphasized that deploying him in the outfield in a pinch isn't currently feasible. "He's working on it," Cora stated, "but it's not something we're comfortable with right now." This suggests an ongoing process of improving Devers' outfield capabilities, rather than a complete dismissal of the possibility.

This news comes as a surprise to some fans who have witnessed Devers' occasional forays into other defensive positions during his career. However, the demands of consistently covering the outfield are significantly different from those at third base, requiring a specific skillset in reading fly balls and covering ground. Cora's cautious approach underlines the importance of strategic defensive positioning and the potential consequences of deploying players out of their comfort zones, particularly in crucial game situations.

The Importance of Defensive Flexibility in MLB

Defensive versatility is increasingly valuable in Major League Baseball. Teams often seek players capable of filling multiple positions, allowing for greater strategic flexibility and roster management. However, Cora's comments underscore that simply having a player capable of playing multiple positions isn't enough; they need to be proficient enough to avoid compromising the team's defense. A misplayed fly ball in the outfield, for example, could easily lead to runs, potentially changing the outcome of a game.

Devers' Focus: Hitting and Third Base

While Devers might eventually become a more reliable option in the outfield, his primary focus remains his offensive contributions at third base. He's a key part of the Red Sox lineup, and his power hitting is crucial to their success. Diverting his attention and practice time away from his main position could negatively impact his batting average and overall performance. This prioritization makes sense, given his consistent performance at the hot corner.

Looking Ahead for the Red Sox

The Red Sox will likely continue to explore different options for outfield depth, potentially through roster adjustments or internal development. This situation highlights the need for a well-rounded team with players capable of stepping up when needed. While Devers' emergency outfield duty may be off the table for now, his contributions at third base remain invaluable to the team's success.

Keywords: Rafael Devers, Red Sox, Alex Cora, MLB, Baseball, Outfield, Defense, Third Base, Boston Red Sox, Defensive Versatility, Major League Baseball, Baseball News, Sports News

Call to Action (subtle): Stay tuned for further updates on the Red Sox's roster moves and Devers' progress in the outfield. Follow us for the latest news and analysis.