News
Sports News
“Something major happens�? Red Sox Manager Alex Cora reflects on reason behind delaying Rafael Devers' first Spring Training game

“Something major happens�? Red Sox Manager Alex Cora reflects on reason behind delaying Rafael Devers' first Spring Training game

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Mar 12, 2025, 19:20 IST

Text Size

Small
Medium
Large

Red Sox Manager Alex Cora explains that Rafael Devers will miss the first Spring Training game to strengthen his shoulders. Devers is not completely inactive and will participate in live BP sessions. Alex Bregman is considered for the third base position in Devers' absence.

“Something major happens�? Red Sox Manager Alex Cora reflects on reason behind delaying Rafael Devers' first Spring Training game

Red Sox Manager Alex Cora reflects on reason behind delaying Rafael Devers�?first Spring Training game (Image Source: Getty)

The Red Sox Manager Alex Cora finally opened up about the star third baseman Rafael Devers�?impending absence from the first Spring Training game. He explained that keeping Devers away from the game is a decision taken in the wake of his need to strengthen his shoulders. Rafael’s re-entry to the playing squad was pushed multiple times earlier causing concerns among fans. Alex Bregman is the possible third baseman to appear in place of Rafael Devers.

Red Sox Manager opens up on reason behind Rafael Dever’s delayed Spring Training debut

Red Sox Manager Alex Cora opened up about the glaring absence of Rafael Devers from the first Spring Training game. The All-Star third baseman was to make an appearance on Wednesday, but fans will have to wait more. Devers plans to use the time off to rebuild his mechanics and rest his shoulders a bit more to make them stronger. Sharing the concerning update, Cora said:
“He’s behind. So he’s not going to be with us for the Opening Day. Just doesn’t make sense to push him and rush everything and then something major happens,�?Cora said.

Red Sox Manager Alex Cora Discusses Rafael Devers' Status, Pitching Changes for 2025 Season

However, fans have something positive to hold on to. As per Cora’s fitness update on Devers, the latter is not completely out of action; fans can be relieved by this pleasant update. He is being given live BP exposure to help him get his rhythm back. Talking about the preparation plans, Cora shared:
“So he’s throwing a live BP tomorrow. He’s going to be part of it. But he’s behind, so we’ll take care of him.�?br/>Cora feels that inside training, at the moment, makes more sense to Devers�?recovery plan as he will be facing the likes of Walker Buehler and Garret Cochett in the live BP session. He feels that such exposure will certainly benefit him more than the Spring Training debut.
Earlier, Rafael Devers�?re-entry to the playing squad was delayed multiple times causing concern among fans. As per the latest update posted by the Athletic’s Jen McCaffrey on X, Devers�?first game is likely on Saturday.

Alex Bregman is being considered at the third base to open the Spring Training debut. He is expected to shine up the pitching depth of the Red Sox owing to his colorful record with the MLB that features two-time All-Star (2018-2019), the Silver Slugger winner 2019, and Golden Glove winner 2024.

Details about Rafael Devers�?association with the Red Sox

Rafael Devers debuted in the MLB in 2017 with the Red Sox. He has been constantly playing for the team since then. Two years back, in 2023, he agreed to an 11-year extension to his contract with the Red Sox, which is going to cost the team $331 million, as per MLB Network’s update.

Rafael Devers Agrees to 11-Year Extension with Red Sox

Rafael Devers has been dealing with ‘shoulder soreness�?since last season when he delivered a trailblazing performance with a 272 average, 28 homers, and 83 RBIs. His re-entry was pushed multiple times when he confessed that he was not ready then, causing a frenzy among the fans.
Rafael Devers is a three-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger winner and has been a pivot to all the newsmaking performances of the Red Sox team.
Also Read: Boston Red Sox roster shake-up puts Nick Sogard’s future in jeopardy as team prioritizes top prospects

Get the latest IPL 2025 updates on Times of India, including match schedules, team squads, and live scores for CSK, MI, RCB, KKR, SRH, LSG, DC, GT, PBKS, and RR. Find out how to watch IPL 2025 in Canada and the USA.

About the Author

TOI Sports Desk

The TOI Sports Desk excels in a myriad of roles that capture the essence of live sporting events and deliver compelling content to readers worldwide. From running live blogs for India and non-India cricket matches to global spectacles featuring Indian talents, like the Chess World Cup final featuring Praggnanandhaa and the Badminton World Championships semifinal featuring HS Prannoy, our live coverage extends to all mega sporting events. We extensively cover events like the Olympics, Asian Games, Cricket World Cups, FIFA World Cups, and more. The desk is also adept at writing comprehensive match reports and insightful post-match commentary, complemented by stats-based articles that provide an in-depth analysis of player performances and team dynamics. We track news wires for key stories, conduct exclusive player interviews in both text and video formats, and file content from print editions and reporters. We keep track of all viral stories, trending topics and produce our own copies on the subjects. We deliver accurate, engaging, and up-to-the-minute sports content, round the clock.

End of Article