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Red Sox Announce Lineup Change After Rafael Devers Trade

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jake Elman | Last updated Jun 18, 2025 2:14 PM ET

At least for the season's first few months, Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora knew he could pencil Rafael Devers in at DH and Ceddanne Rafaela as his center fielder every day.

Wednesday's game against the Seattle Mariners lacks both players, albeit for vastly different reasons. Devers recorded two hits in his San Francisco Giants debut on Tuesday night, though the Cleveland Guardians nonetheless snagged a 3-2 victory.

Rafaela, on the other hand, is simply sitting out Wednesday's series finale against the Seattle Mariners. Cora opted to start rookie Kristian Campbell in center field instead.

Rafaela has quietly been a major piece for the 38-37 Red Sox, entering Wednesday with 2.3 bWAR over 70 games. A third-year utilityman who found a home in center field, Rafaela owns a .247 average with six home runs, 26 RBI, and 10 stolen bases.

Rafaela isn't the most imposing hitter, and his .681 OPS ranks well below the league average of .712. However, he's grown into a reliable starter for a Red Sox team chasing only its second postseason appearance since 2019.

The Red Sox trail the Mariners by half a game for the AL's third and final Wild Card spot. Boston is 10-5 in June despite only outscoring opponents 75-70.

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

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