Former Pink Sox infielder and present colour analyst Lou Merloni not too long ago took to social media to deal with the damage to first baseman Triston Casas and the implications it might have on the Pink Sox lineup. Merloni floated one title particularly as a possible resolution—regardless of that participant’s reluctance to make the transfer.
Lou Merloni Petitions for Rafael Devers to Play 1st Base
On Could 2, Casas suffered a severe leg damage in opposition to the Minnesota Twins, later recognized as a ruptured patellar tendon that may possible sideline him for the remainder of the season. The damage has left Boston scrambling to fill the void at first base.
Merloni steered Rafael Devers, presently serving because the group’s designated hitter, is the most suitable choice to shift to first. Merloni wrote, “I believe Devers will play 1B. He’s nonetheless pissed about Spring Coaching and it’s identical to Spring Coaching when media requested what he would say if the group needs him at DH, ‘No!’ Group works higher with him there. Finally he will probably be. They didn’t change their minds. Their 1B bought harm.”
I believe Devers will play 1B. He is nonetheless pissed about Spring Coaching and it is identical to Spring Coaching when media requested what he would say if the group needs him to DH “No”! Group works higher with him there. Finally he will probably be. They did not change their minds. Their 1B bought harm
— Lou Merloni (@LouMerloni) Could 9, 2025
Nonetheless, Devers will not be on board. After the Pink Sox acquired Alex Bregman from Houston and assigned him the on a regular basis third base job, Devers was moved into the full-time DH position. He claims the entrance workplace instructed him throughout spring coaching to “put away the glove and give attention to hitting.”
Now, simply months later, the identical entrance workplace is asking him to play first base—a place he has by no means performed professionally. Devers’ frustrations have develop into public, as he reportedly questioned the group’s inconsistency and steered Boston discover exterior choices through commerce.
Some imagine his feedback might land him in scorching water, particularly if he continues to withstand a transfer that might profit the group total. Whereas his reluctance could seem egocentric on the floor, it’s additionally comprehensible—being requested to desert his major place for a brand-new one midseason is not any small request.
Statistically, Devers has held his personal on the plate in 2025. By the primary 30 video games, he’s hitting .255 with six house runs, 25 RBIs, and an .834 OPS. His common exit velocity sits at 95.2 mph, displaying he’s nonetheless making strong contact regardless of a sluggish begin. Nonetheless, critics argue that his unwillingness to adapt might harm the Pink Sox in the long term, particularly as they battle with depth and lineup flexibility.
If he stays adamant about not enjoying the sector, it’s not out of the query that the group explores commerce choices—significantly if inside stress continues to develop.
Solely time will inform whether or not Boston stands by its star slugger or if this example pushes them to make a daring choice of their very own.
