The Boston Red Sox are struggling, and their lineup flexibility issues aren’t helping matters. With injuries piling up and young players forced into uncomfortable situations, the team’s got a potential solution sitting right in front of them – if they’re willing to make a tough call.
Rafael Devers has been the team’s everyday designated hitter since they signed Alex Bregman this offseason. After a slow start, Devers has found his groove at the plate. But his reluctance to play defense is creating a ripple effect that’s hurting the team’s depth and development.
Here’s where it gets complicated.
When Triston Casas went down with an injury, Devers refused to slide over to first base. Now with Bregman dealing with his own injury issues, the Red Sox won’t put him back at third base, and Devers doesn’t seem interested in returning to his old position either.
That’s left the team in a bind. Marcelo Mayer – one of their top prospects – is stuck playing out of position at third base. Meanwhile, Kristian Campbell has to stay in the everyday lineup despite going through a month-long slump that would normally earn a trip back to the minors for some adjustments.
ClutchPoints’ Owen Crisafulli suggested the Red Sox should “force” Devers back into a defensive role to solve multiple problems at once.
“Even playing him at his native third base position could allow another young stud, Marcelo Mayer, to stop playing out of position in the field. It could also allow Kristian Campbell, who has been in a month-long slump, to go back to the minors to figure things out, but as of right now, he’s needed in the field because of Devers’ stubbornness.”
This isn’t the first time Devers has dug in his heels about position changes. He initially refused to move off third base when the team first signed Bregman, eventually accepting the DH role. Then he wouldn’t budge again when Casas got hurt and first base opened up.
Now that Bregman’s dealing with injury issues but expected to return at some point, it’s hard to imagine Devers volunteering to pick up his glove and head back to the hot corner. But if the Red Sox made that call for him, it could solve several roster puzzles.
Moving Devers to third would open up the DH spot for Roman Anthony or Masataka Yoshida when he’s healthy. It would let Mayer slide back to second base where he’s more comfortable. And it would give Campbell the chance to head down to Triple-A and work through his struggles without the pressure of everyday major league at-bats.
The question is whether Boston’s willing to force the issue with their highest-paid position player. With the team faltering and needing all the production they can get, it might be time to prioritize the bigger picture over individual preferences.
