Former Red Sox All-Star Raises Rafael Devers Theory After Historically Bad Start

“That’s what you’re looking for, your pigs to squeal,” Papelbon added. “And hit home runs. But is it the shoulders? Is he in shape? We don’t know these things. But to me, it looks like the swing is just a little bit behind.”

To be clear, Papelbon didn’t compare Devers to a pig. Boston Herald reporter Gabrielle Starr posted on X (formerly Twitter) that “pigs squeal” is Papelbon’s “way of saying the bats will make noise.”

As for the weight aspect, the Red Sox list Devers at 235 pounds.

It’s been a difficult spring for Devers, who moved from third base to designated hitter following Alex Bregman’s arrival in February. Devers initially resisted leaving the hot corner, where he’s almost exclusively played since debuting in 2017.

Devers missed most of spring training while recovering from a shoulder injury. He hit just .214 with two RBI over 15 preseason plate appearances.

Boston listed Devers as the No. 2 hitter in its lineup Monday against the Baltimore Orioles.