Craig Breslow Rejects Theory About Red Sox’s Rafael Devers

Rafael Devers was at the center of a Red Sox position controversy before the 2024 season even began.

And now, to no fault of his own, the three-time All-Star is involved in another one.

Boston has a major question mark at first base in wake of Triston Casas’ season-ending knee injury. Fans and media members alike immediately identified Devers as a potential placement candidate, but the actual decision-makers on Jersey Street aren’t very keen on the idea.

The hesitation prompted WEEI’s Chris Curtis to ask chief baseball officer Craig Breslow why the club is “afraid” of Devers.

“I don’t think anybody is afraid of Rafael Devers,” Breslow said Thursday on “The Greg Hill Show.” “Obviously, we had a difficult conversation with him in spring training — moving him off third base and into the DH spot because we felt like that was what was best for the team. We’ll continue to operate with what’s best for the team front of mind.”

Curtis responded by asking Breslow if moving Devers to first and, in turn, creating some lineup flexibility was what was best for the club.

“It could be, if Raffy is able to make that transition pretty seamlessly and if it doesn’t impact what’s on the offensive side. Then, sure,” Breslow said. “But those are all factors we need to consider when making this decision.”

Alex Cora, like Breslow, hasn’t vehemently ruled out the possibility of Devers playing first at some point this season. That said, the manager seems to be viewing the hypothetical as a last-resort option for the Red Sox, who likely would explore several other opportunities before even talking to Devers about another position change.

So, the Fenway Faithful probably shouldn’t expect to see the franchise cornerstone put his glove back on anytime soon.