Context:

Rafael Devers, currently the Boston Red Sox's designated hitter, has expressed his refusal to switch positions to first base despite the team's request following Triston Casas' season-ending injury. Devers had already moved from third base to designated hitter after the team signed Alex Bregman and is adamant about not making another change, emphasizing the difficulty of adjusting to new positions. He discussed the matter with Red Sox Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow and suggested that the team should seek a replacement on the market instead of relying on him for multiple roles. Devers underscored his commitment to being a full-time designated hitter and expressed dissatisfaction with the team’s shift in expectations, feeling that it contradicts their previous assurances. He remains firm in his stance, stating that he cannot continue to be flexible with positional changes any longer.

Dive Deeper:

• Rafael Devers is currently serving as the Boston Red Sox's designated hitter and is unwilling to switch to first base despite the team's request after Triston Casas suffered a season-ending knee injury.

• After moving from third base to designated hitter following the signing of Alex Bregman, Devers believes that another position switch is not in his best interest and is too challenging.

• Devers had a conversation with Red Sox Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow about the idea of playing first base, highlighting that position changes are not easy and suggesting that the team should look for other players in the market to fill the gap.

• Emphasizing his role as a full-time designated hitter, Devers expressed disappointment that the team would consider him for first base, especially since he has no experience playing there at the major league level.

• Devers feels that the team has not stayed true to their word regarding his role, and he made it clear that he cannot continue being flexible with positional changes, stating that their expectations conflict with previous commitments.