Red Sox manager answers whether Devers could play 1B

Boston Red Sox designated hitter Rafael Devers. Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Red Sox manager answers whether Rafael Devers could play first base

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Steve DelVecchio | Last updated May 6, 2025 4:47 PM ET

The Boston Red Sox need a new first baseman after Triston Casas suffered a season-ending knee injury last week. Many have wondered if Rafael Devers could fill that role for the team. It does not sound like that is going to happen.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora was asked on Tuesday if there had been any discussions about having Devers play first base. He simply shook his head and replied, “No.”

You can see the exchange at around the 30-second mark:

Alex Cora provides an update on Triston Casas, who is home now

"In pain, a lot of pain… it wasn't the worst case scenario… that's what the doctor said."

He also denies the possibility of Devers getting 1B reps ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/XWw5x5UjP8
— NESN (@NESN) May 6, 2025

Since Casas went down, the Red Sox initially used a combination of Romy Gonzalez and Abraham Toro, and they are sticking with those two for the time being.

Devers was Boston’s third baseman for several seasons before he became a full-time designated hitter this year. The Red Sox made the change after signing Alex Bregman. Some wondered if Boston would trade Casas and transition Devers to first, but the team never showed an interest in doing that.

While Devers has been openly unhappy about losing his spot in the field, he has zero experience at first base in either the majors or minors. He is also not a very good defensive third baseman, which is another reason the Red Sox prefer to have him as their DH.

If the Red Sox decide to move at first base, it will likely come by way of a trade.

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

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