Devers Takes Grounders: Cora Explains Why

Rafael Devers‘ Role Defined: Red Sox Star Sticking to DH, Manager Cora Confirms

BOSTON – After weeks of speculation surrounding Rafael Devers’ positional future with the Boston Red Sox, manager Alex Cora has made it clear: Devers will remain the team’s designated hitter (DH) for the remainder of the 2025 season.

Cora Puts Speculation to Rest

The Red Sox had previously kept the door open for Devers to perhaps return to the field, but cora’s recent statement provides a definitive answer. “We talk, but he’s my DH,” Cora stated. “Let’s leave it at that.” When asked if he anticipates Devers solely filling the DH role for the rest of the season, Cora responded with a firm “Yes.”

A Contentious Road to Clarity

The decision comes after a period of apparent friction. In early May, Devers was asked to transition to first base following Triston Casas’s knee injury. A subsequent request for Devers to become the Designated hitter (DH) did not sit well with the star, who voiced his frustration. Principal owner John Henry flew to Kansas City for a meeting with Devers and Cora to address the situation.

Despite the meeting, no changes were implemented. Devers has continued to excel as a DH, maintaining a .275 batting average with 14 home runs, 18 doubles, 57 RBIs, and a .907 OPS.

Devers’ Pregame Routine Raises Eyebrows

Adding a layer of intrigue, Devers recently incorporated infield drills into his pregame routine. He has been observed taking grounders and practicing double plays at shortstop alongside teammates Trevor Story and David Hamilton.

Cora explained this as part of Devers’ conditioning program, emphasizing that he has recovered from a reported groin strain. “Part of his conditioning program, just moving around,” Cora said. “Now that he’s feeling good, just go out there and take grounders.”

Cora added, “The fact he’s throwing, that’s crucial, too. Obviously, if something happens, we’ve got to get this (making a throwing motion) going. I’m happy he’s out there moving and feeling good. He’s feeling good.”

Devers’ Stats as DH

Devers has proven to be a valuable asset at the DH position. But does he perform better as a DH or in the field?

Statistic	Value
Batting Average	.275
Home Runs	14
Doubles	18
RBIs	57
OPS	.907

The Evolution of the Designated Hitter Role

the designated hitter role has been a topic of debate in baseball since its introduction in the American League in 1973. Did you know? The DH rule was implemented to increase offensive output and extend the careers of aging players.

Some argue that it detracts from the traditional strategy of the game, while others believe it adds excitement and creates opportunities for players who may not be strong fielders but possess remarkable hitting abilities. Recent discussions have revolved around potentially expanding the DH rule to the National League, highlighting the ongoing evolution of the game.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on how teams utilize the DH spot strategically. Some managers use it to give regular players a partial day off, while others use it to maximize their lineup’s offensive potential.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rafael Devers and his role

• What is Rafael Devers’ confirmed position for the rest of the 2025 season?

  Rafael Devers will remain the designated hitter (DH) for the Boston Red Sox.

• Why was there speculation about Devers changing positions?

  Initially, he was asked to move to first base due to an injury. The Red Sox entertained the idea of moving him back to third base at a later time.

• Has Devers played other positions recently?

  Devers had been asked to be the DH this Spring training, which caused him to be concerned about his positions.

• How is Devers performing as a designated hitter for the Red Sox?

  Devers is hitting .275 with 14 home runs, 18 doubles, and 57 RBIs as a DH.

• What is the meaning of Devers taking grounders at shortstop?

  Taking infield practice is part of his conditioning program and to ensure he is ready to play in the field if needed.

• What did Alex Cora say about rafael Devers playing in the field?

  Alex Cora stated that Rafael Devers will remain as the DH for the rest of the season.

What do you think about Devers remaining as the DH? Should he return to a fielding position? Share your thoughts below!

how can specific drills and practice repetitions help Rafael Devers improve his fielding skills, particularly his footwork and glovework, as identified by Alex Cora’s training regimen?

Devers Takes Grounders: alex Cora’s Insights on Defensive Play

Boston Red Sox fans, and indeed baseball analysts, have often observed that Rafael Devers, an elite hitter, sometimes has difficulties with fielding ground balls. This article delves into manager Alex Cora’s explanations for these occurrences, exploring defensive strategies, player progress, and situational awareness. Analyzing why Devers might experience challenges in the field provides a complete understanding of modern baseball.

Understanding the Challenges at Third Base

Playing third base,often referred to as the “hot corner,” is a demanding position. Third basemen, like Devers, must react quickly to hard-hit balls, covering meaningful ground while also making accurate throws. Cora’s analysis usually centers around key factors influencing a fielder’s performance.

Defensive Positioning and Strategy: The Keys to Success

One of the primary elements Cora discusses is defensive positioning. This involves adjustments based on the hitter’s tendencies, the count, the runner’s speed, and the shifting strategies employed by the Red sox coaching staff. Correct positioning can reduce the range a player needs to cover, offering a greater chance of fielding a ground ball cleanly. Strategic defensive shifts can also play a huge role, where the defense actively maneuvers to the expected landing spot of the ball.

• Hitter’s Tendencies: Does the batter pull the ball or hit it to all fields?
• Count: Where are Runners on Base: Are there Runners on Base?
• Game Situations: late Innings, Close Games, etc;

Training and Player Development: Refining Skills

Another aspect Cora addresses is the ongoing need for training and player development, particularly focusing on developing solid fielding skills. Devers,like any major leaguer,trains extensively to improve his glovework,agility,and throwing accuracy. this may involve specific drills, practice repetitions, and video analysis to fine-tune his technique. Consistent work to improve fielding percentage is very important.

Here’s a brief example of training focus areas:

• footwork: Proper footwork is critical for positioning and transferring weight.
• Glove Work: Training the ability to catch every grounder and the best way to have the best hand positioning.
• Throwing Mechanics: accuracy and speed on throws to first base.

Real-World Examples: Game Situations

To fully understand the rationale behind Devers’ fielding challenges, we can consider specific game scenarios. Analyzing replay footage and game statistics helps illustrate these points.

Analyzing Specific Ground Balls

Let’s examine a hypothetical ground ball situation. Cora might analyze Devers’ positioning, reaction time, and the trajectory of the ball. He’d consider:

• The Hit: A ground ball directly at Devers,a slow roller,or a hard-hit smash?
• The Play: was there an error? The type of throw and the throw quality.
• The Result: Replay review for errors.

Case Study: Impact of Fielding

Here’s a brief sample case study of how defensive plays can impact a game.

Situation	Devers’ Action	Impact on Game
Runner on 2nd, one out; ground ball to Devers	Slow reaction and throwing error	Runner scores, momentum shift
Bases Loaded, two outs; ground ball	Fast play; Force Out	Inning ends; Maintains the lead

These kinds of plays are why Cora has detailed coaching and training plans.

Conclusion: Ongoing Enhancement

Ultimately, Alex Cora’s perspective on why Devers sometimes struggles with grounders underscores the complexities of baseball. Its a dynamic interplay of strategy, skill, training, and situational awareness. The constant drive to learn and improve, both personally and as a team, is crucial to success. through ongoing evaluation of his performance, Devers continues to refine his skills and make important plays at third.