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

James

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Post on Jun 16, 2025

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Red Sox Third Baseman Rafael Devers Unlikely for Emergency Outfield Duty, Says Manager Alex Cora

Boston, MA – Red Sox manager Alex Cora recently poured cold water on any hopes of seeing Rafael Devers patrolling the outfield in an emergency situation. While Devers' offensive prowess is undeniable, his defensive capabilities beyond third base remain a work in progress, according to Cora. This revelation comes amidst ongoing discussions surrounding the team's outfield depth and potential injury vulnerabilities heading into the crucial final stretch of the season.

The statement, made during a post-game press conference, clarifies the team's strategy in handling potential defensive emergencies. While versatility is often valued in baseball, Cora emphasized that Devers' focus remains firmly on his primary position at third base. Shifting him to the outfield, even temporarily, would risk disrupting his rhythm and potentially impacting his batting performance – a far greater concern for the Red Sox given Devers' key role in their lineup.

<h3>Devers' Defensive Limitations and the Red Sox Outfield</h3>

Devers' defensive statistics at third base have shown improvement this season, but his experience and comfort level in the outfield are significantly limited. This isn't a new concern; it's been a recurring theme throughout his career. While he's occasionally taken practice reps in the outfield during spring training, these haven't translated into game-ready proficiency.

The Red Sox's outfield situation itself adds another layer to the issue. While they boast a strong starting outfield, injuries or underperformance could quickly deplete their depth. This is why the team continues to explore options to bolster their bench, possibly through trades or call-ups from the minor leagues. The possibility of relying on Devers in the outfield as a last resort, therefore, remains highly unlikely.

<h3>What This Means for the Red Sox's Strategy</h3>

Cora's statement signals a clear strategy for the Red Sox: prioritizing Devers' offensive contributions and maintaining his focus at third base. This approach minimizes the risk of jeopardizing his offensive performance for the sake of potentially unreliable defensive coverage in the outfield. The team's front office is likely working on contingency plans involving roster adjustments to mitigate the risk of outfield injuries impacting the team's performance. This could involve acquiring additional outfield depth before the trade deadline or strategically managing playing time to prevent burnout.

The Red Sox's management emphasizes proactive solutions over reactive ones. Rather than relying on unconventional defensive solutions, they are prioritizing strengthening the existing roster through more traditional means. This pragmatic approach demonstrates a clear understanding of Devers' strengths and limitations and positions the team for a strong finish to the season.

<h3>Looking Ahead: Strengthening the Outfield Depth</h3>

The Red Sox's focus now shifts towards ensuring they have sufficient outfield depth to navigate the remaining games. This likely involves continued scouting, potential trade discussions, and close monitoring of the performance of players currently in the minor leagues. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining how the team addresses its outfield situation and secures a successful end to the season. Fans will be watching closely to see how the Red Sox strengthen their outfield and continue their push for the playoffs. This situation underscores the importance of a well-rounded roster and proactive roster management in professional baseball.