Inside The Red Sox

Red Sox's Alex Cora Gives Rafael Devers Injury Update Amid Starting 3B Battle

"He's getting there."
Jackson Roberts|
Sep 12, 2024; Bronx, New York, USA; Boston Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers (11) throws out New York Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe (not pictured) after fielding a ground ball during the ninth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
Sep 12, 2024; Bronx, New York, USA; Boston Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers (11) throws out New York Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe (not pictured) after fielding a ground ball during the ninth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images | Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

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Rafael Devers wants to keep his third base job, and to do so, he'll need to get himself game-ready as soon as possible.

Having caused a stir with his comments about not wanting to give up third base on Monday, Devers hasn't yet determined a timeline to join spring training action with the rest of his Boston Red Sox teammates.

Devers played through nagging injuries in both shoulders for the majority of the 2024 season, which eventually sapped his power in August and September. His progression has been behind most of the other position players this spring as he's continued to rehab and work up to game speed.

Though he's not quite there yet, his manager says he's getting closer.

As Devers looks to prove he can field his position well enough to keep free-agent signee Alex Bregman from taking his job, skipper Alex Cora provided an update on how close Devers is to appearing in spring training games.

“He’s hitting off the Trajekt (pitching machine), which is great,” Cora said Sunday, per Chris Cotillo of MassLive. “Today is the first day on the field. We had live BPs, he’s probably tracking there. He’ll let us know.

“He took grounders this morning with Flo (infield coach José Flores). Threw to first base. He’s getting there. But not 100%.”

One would have to assume Devers will need some live at-bats before appearing in games. He'll obviously be ready for Opening Day, barring an unforeseen setback, but the fewer game reps he gets, the fewer chances he has to state his case for keeping the third base title.

The Red Sox's second game of Grapefruit League play takes place Sunday against the Toronto Blue Jays, with Bregman batting second and playing third base.

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Jackson Roberts
JACKSON ROBERTS

Jackson Roberts is a former Division III All-Region DH who now writes and talks about sports for a living. A Bay Area native and a graduate of Swarthmore College and the Newhouse School at Syracuse University, Jackson makes his home in North Jersey. He grew up rooting for the Red Sox, Patriots, and Warriors, and he recently added the Devils to his sports fandom mosaic. For all business/marketing inquiries regarding Boston Red Sox On SI, please reach out to Scott Neville: scott@wtfsports.org

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