What's happened
David Ortiz has publicly supported Rafael Devers as the designated hitter for the Boston Red Sox following the season-ending injury to first baseman Triston Casas. Ortiz emphasized that Devers was asked to focus solely on hitting and should not be expected to switch positions mid-season.
What's behind the headline?
Key Points:
- Role Clarity: Ortiz highlights that Devers was specifically asked to focus on hitting, which has led to his success this season, batting .286 with 12 home runs and 52 RBIs.
- Injury Impact: The injury to Casas has created pressure for Devers to adapt, but Ortiz argues that such a switch should not be rushed.
- Player Autonomy: Ortiz suggests that any decision to practice at first base should ultimately be Devers' choice, emphasizing the importance of player comfort and readiness.
Implications:
- Team Dynamics: The Red Sox must navigate the balance between team needs and player capabilities, especially with a significant contract tied to Devers.
- Future Performance: Devers' current performance as a DH raises questions about his versatility and potential impact if he were to switch positions, which could affect team strategy moving forward.
What the papers say
According to the New York Post, Ortiz stated, "He’s doing great as the DH. They asked for it, and he’s doing great as the DH," reinforcing the idea that Devers should not be expected to change roles abruptly. Meanwhile, AP News reported Ortiz's perspective that any transition should be left to Devers, saying, "If Devers would like to practice at first base... that is all on him." This highlights the differing views on player flexibility and management expectations.
How we got here
The Red Sox signed Alex Bregman to a three-year, $120 million contract, designating Devers as the full-time DH. This decision was complicated by Casas' injury, leading to speculation about Devers shifting to first base.
Go deeper
- What are the implications of Devers staying as DH?
- How has Devers performed this season?
- What does Ortiz think about player flexibility?
Common question
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Why is David Ortiz Supporting Rafael Devers as DH for the Red Sox?
David Ortiz has stepped up to defend Rafael Devers amid recent changes in the Boston Red Sox lineup. With the season-ending injury to Triston Casas, Devers has been designated as the full-time designated hitter. This situation raises questions about player roles, team dynamics, and what fans can expect moving forward.
More on these topics
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The Boston Red Sox are an American professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts. They compete in Major League Baseball as a member club of the American League East division.
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The Atlanta Braves are an American professional baseball team based in the Atlanta metropolitan area. They compete in Major League Baseball as a member club of the National League East division.
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The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
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Rafael Devers Calcaño is a Dominican professional baseball third baseman for the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball. Listed at 6 feet 0 inches and 210 pounds, Devers bats left-handed and throws right-handed.
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Trevor John Story is an American professional baseball shortstop for the Colorado Rockies of Major League Baseball. He made his MLB debut in 2016.
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Alexander David Bregman is an American professional baseball third baseman and shortstop for the Houston Astros of Major League Baseball.
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David Américo Ortiz Arias, nicknamed "Big Papi", is a Dominican-American former professional baseball designated hitter and first baseman who played 20 seasons in Major League Baseball, primarily with the Boston Red Sox.