The Red Sox are just about a week away from opening their season in Texas against the Rangers. Unfortunately, one of their brightest stars will have to be working with limited time in the batter's box.
Rafael Devers got a very late start to his Spring Training due, in part, to a shoulder issue. That shoulder led to the All-Star third baseman being held out of Grapefruit League games until this past weekend.
So far, Devers has tallied a handful of at-bats and collected a double. And now, there is some interesting news coming out of Boston's camp this morning.
With Alex Bregman on the roster after a massive free-agent deal, there was already some controversy about who would be manning the hot corner. Devers added fuel to that fire when he said that he wasn't playing anywhere else other than third base following the signing.
That controversy spiraled into what came down to Devers asking about a trade away from the Red Sox. And while that speculation has settled and seems to be in the past, this is big news for their lineup.
The Red Sox already figure to have a lineup crunch, at least defensively. Masatake Yoshida was likely going to spend some time at DH to start the year, though he is heading for the injured list already.
Meanwhile, Devers was looking like their third baseman given his massive contract. Bregman likely would've slotted into the infield wherever Boston wanted, while giving Devers some time off of his feet at DH on some days.
For now, it's looking like Devers might have to spend most of his time with a bat in his hands, at least to start the season.
