BOSTON, Mass. – Hall of Famer David Ortiz advises the Boston Red Sox to let Rafael Devers decide if he wants to play first base. The Red Sox informed Devers that he would be the full-time designated hitter after signing Alex Bregman to a three-year, $120 million contract during spring training.
This situation changed when first baseman Triston Casas suffered an injury that will keep him out for the season.
Ortiz, during his charity golf tournament, the “David Ortiz Soiree of Hearts”, commented that any change should depend on Devers.He’s playing very well as a designated hitter. They asked him to do that and he’s doing very well.
David Ortiz
The former Red Sox hitter added that the player was asked to bat in spring training, and now he is being asked to change positions, which requires time.
Ortiz, 49, who entered the Hall of Fame primarily as a designated hitter, did not rule out the change for Devers, but emphasized that any decision should be made after the player learns the position.Ortiz recalled that Devers was asked to be the designated hitter, and that this was agreed upon in spring training. He emphasized that the player is complying with what was requested, even though it was not what he initially agreed to. During spring training, Devers was initially reluctant to the change to designated hitter.At some point, if Devers wants to practice at first base and play the whole defense again, that’s up to him.
David Ortiz
Last month, Devers informed the Red Sox that he was not interested in playing first base, and owner John Henry traveled to Kansas City to meet with him.
After a historically slow start to the season, Devers comes into Monday batting .286, with 12 home runs and 52 RBIs, leading the league.
Ortiz mentioned that the game has changed since he was told he would be primarily a designated hitter.Ortiz’s golf tournament benefits the David Ortiz Children’s Fund, which raises funds to provide life-saving cardiac surgeries and care for children in New England and his native country, the Dominican Republic.
