The Boston Red Sox have concluded a lackluster 3-7 homestand following an unexpectedly strong 7-3 road trip to kick off the season. Their underwhelming performance at home has seen the 10-10 Red Sox fall to the bottom of the American League East standings, a position many had anticipated after a lackluster offseason.
Injuries have plagued the team early in the season, and following their 5-4 loss to the Cleveland Guardians on Thursday, manager Alex Cora provided a hopeful update on the condition of third baseman Rafael Devers.
Devers, one of Boston’s key players, was once again absent from the lineup in the series finale, leading to concerns of a potentially serious injury. In the first 20 games of the season, Devers has been dealing with shoulder and knee issues. Cora indicated that the knee problem appears to be a bone bruise at this stage and assured that the slugger would not be placed on the Injured List.
Before the game against Cleveland, Cora had mentioned that Devers was scheduled for an MRI on his knee. His comments following the game likely came after the completion of the MRI.
“He didn’t feel great yesterday, he felt like he wasn’t able to stay on his leg,” Cora stated. “I talked to him last night, I said ‘Well, let’s do this so we know.’ Hopefully, it’s what we think it is and we deal with it, and (he) gets treatment, all that stuff, but I think it’s more for him to (have) peace of mind.”
Devers expressed his desire to avoid a long-term injury, having played in only 13 of the team’s first 20 games. His performance has been below par compared to his strong showing in spring training, currently batting .188/.328/.375 with nine hits, three doubles, two home runs, five runs, and five RBI, along with nine walks and 10 strikeouts.
“I don’t know yet. But the thing that I know is like I don’t want to go back too soon. … I’m going to take my time to be ready,” Devers said regarding the possibility of being placed on the Injured List.
The Red Sox are hopeful for Devers’s swift return to the lineup, anticipating improved offensive output and power upon his comeback. Additionally, they were expecting to see an enhancement in his defensive performance, though it has not materialized thus far.
Aside from the shoulder and knee issues, Devers was involved in a collision with outfielder Tyler O’Neill during a game on Monday, resulting in both players being shaken up. While Devers escaped injury on that occasion, O’Neill has been placed on the 7-day Injured List due to concussion-like symptoms.
The Red Sox are set to face the Pittsburgh Pirates in a three-game series over the weekend, with O’Neill eligible to return after the series. Cora expressed optimism regarding O’Neill’s status in the near future, stating, “Yesterday he had an OK day after the workout. Today, he seems like he has more energy. But you know this is an every-day thing. They’re still going to check on him and we will see.”
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