Alex Cora Shuts Down Theory About Red Sox Star Rafael Devers

Rafael Devers initially was slated to make his Red Sox spring training debut Tuesday or Wednesday, but there was a change of plans.

Devers now is scheduled to play his first exhibition game of the preseason Saturday. The three-time All-Star had a slow start to spring training due to his recovery from sore shoulders, which prevented Devers from taking any swings over the winter.

As Alex Cora provided an update on Devers on Tuesday, the Red Sox manager was asked if the superstar slugger had refused to play in any spring training games to that point. After all, it was fair to wonder if Devers was experiencing levels of frustration about a potential role change with Alex Bregman now in the clubhouse.

However, Cora stressed there were “no issues” when it came to Devers’ willingness to play, per The Athletic’s Jen McCaffrey. Boston’s skipper also explained the 28-year-old preferred to have multiple at-bats against legitimate big league arms in live batting practice rather than one or two plate appearances against a minor leaguer in a game setting. Devers stood in the batter’s box opposite Garrett Crochet on Tuesday, and he’s set to do the same against Walker Buehler on Thursday.

Cora did not indicate that Devers wouldn’t be ready for Opening Day on March 27. However, as he continues to optimize his health, the franchise cornerstone might open the regular season as the Red Sox’s designated hitter and return to third base once his shoulders are in pristine condition.

Thus, Cora and company expect Devers to hit second when Boston visits the Texas Rangers for a season-opening showdown in a few weeks.