The Red Sox are facing a significant roster challenge after Triston Casas suffered what manager Alex Cora called a “significant knee injury” during Friday’s game against the Twins.
Casas had to be stretchered off the field in the second inning after he fell hard while running out a ground ball. The first baseman immediately grabbed his left knee as Boston’s training staff rushed to his aid. He was taken to a local Boston hospital for evaluation, according to Thomas Gamba-Ellis of the New York Post.
With Casas sidelined for what’s likely to be an extended period, the Red Sox need to find a new solution at first base. One intriguing possibility? Moving Rafael Devers across the diamond.
Rob Bradford of WEEI suggests Devers could shift to first despite never playing the position professionally. “Considering his experience on the other infield’s corner spot, integrating into the new position might be a very real solution,” Bradford wrote. “Devers wants to play in the field, and this is the field.”
The move makes sense on multiple levels. Devers wasn’t thrilled about potentially moving off third base when the team acquired Alex Bregman this offseason. A shift to first would keep him engaged defensively while potentially helping his offensive production.
It would also create a path for Masataka Yoshida to return to the lineup. “The switch would also solve the quandary when it comes to what to do with Masa Yoshida, who still can’t play the field due to a shoulder injury but is able to serve as a designated hitter,” Bradford noted.
Boston has maintained a winning record despite an offseason of change, but Casas’ injury forces them to adapt once again. The team has several internal options to consider, but watching their young first baseman go down the way he did was a tough blow for a club that’s managed to stay competitive so far.
