Boston Red Sox designated hitter Rafael Devers (11) is shown in the dugout before the game against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park. Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Rafael Devers takes ground balls at shortstop for Red Sox

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Larry Brown | Last updated Jun 2, 2025 5:23 PM ET

Rafael Devers continues to toy with the Boston Red Sox and the team’s fans.

Devers on Monday was seen by the media taking ground balls at shortstop ahead of the team’s game against the Los Angeles Angels at Fenway Park in Boston, Mass. In a video shared by Red Sox reporter Rob Bradford, Devers was shown wearing baseball pants above his knees and a Red Sox hooded sweatshirt while standing around shortstop. Devers was using a smaller, middle infielder-sized glove and showed some good footwork as he fielded the ball.

Breaking: Rafael Devers is taking grounders (at shortstop) pic.twitter.com/7P7EVciv1x
— Rob Bradford (@bradfo) June 2, 2025

Devers taking grounders at shortstop is quite an interesting development.

He had signed a long-term contract with the Red Sox prior to the 2023 season to be their third baseman, but they asked him to switch to designated hitter after they signed third baseman Alex Bregman ahead of this season. Devers was not happy about it, but made the switch anyway. Then, when Triston Casas got injured, the Red Sox wanted Devers to play first base, but he balked at the idea and said the team had lied to him.

Now, Bregman is on the injured list with a strained quadriceps muscle. The Red Sox have played Trevor Story at shortstop, Abraham Toro at either corner infield spot, Marcelo Mayer at third, and Romy Gonzalez sometimes at first. They have left Devers at DH. Devers is trying to give the Red Sox some flexibility, apparently by making himself an option at shortstop — a position he’s played sparingly during his career.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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