A number of reports describing the rift surfaced in the days leading up to Rafael Devers’ trade from the Red Sox on Sunday and his first game against his old team on Friday.
According to the majority of sources, Devers’ relationship with the Red Sox ended after he refused to voluntarily change positions despite the team’s repeated requests.
Alex Cora doesn’t think he needs to make amends with the franchise’s former star during the Red Sox weekend series against Devers’ new team, though, because Devers’ time in Boston didn’t end well.
What has to be clarified? It’s a trade. It’s baseball. It’s a company. Before Friday’s 7-5 victory over the Giants, the Red Sox manager told reporters that’s how it works. This is not the first time a guy has been traded. It’s not the final man. Everyone has a different perspective on the matter.
First base, DH, third base, the manager, the general manager, the owner, or anything else. It’s a deal in baseball. I turn the page on my end.
With three of their first four games on a nine-game road trip to the West Coast, the Red Sox have done a fantastic job of turning the page in the days following the surprising decision to trade Devers. However, Boston’s recent hot play has been overshadowed by the trade’s aftermath and the behind-the-scenes rumors regarding how the deal was completed.
According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, one of those sources said that Cora even backed the decision to ship Devers out. That may come as a bit of a surprise to some because Cora had publicly defended Devers during the turmoil of his last few months with the team, referring to him as the Red Sox designated hitter the day before the trade.
“He’s going to do everything possible to kick our ass, and we’re going to do everything possible to do the same.”When Rafael Devers plays his old teammate, Red Sox manager Alex Cora expects a “awkward” reunion.https://52noaCDsit
Cora acknowledged that losing Devers is a difficult blow for the Red Sox lineup, even if he allegedly supported the trade and is trying to move on.
We are particularly proud of Raffy, and there are many things he did for us that we will miss, Cora added. It will therefore be different on my end to confront him here.
Additionally, Cora implied that the Red Sox and Devers’ divorce was not a personal one.
There is nothing personal about this company. According to Cora, I have always told them that throughout the years. While we differ on some issues, we agree on many others.
It’s not personal; Xander Bogaerts is in San Diego. It’s not personal; Mookie Betts is in Los Angeles. It’s not personal; Raffy Devers is with the Giants.
No one in the Red Sox lineup has Devers’ potential as a bat, especially while Alex Bregman is out with a right quad strain. Devers hit.272 with a.905 OPS, 15 home runs, and 58 RBIs in 73 games with the Red Sox this season, making him one of the top left-handed hitters in baseball prior to his trade.
However, Boston didn’t miss Devers on Friday. Devers went 0-for-5 at the plate in his first game against his former team, while the Red Sox enjoyed their greatest offensive performance in almost two weeks. In the ninth inning, he attempted to assist the Giants in getting the game-tying run at the plate but was struck out after whiffing at Aroldis Chapman’s fastball.
The Red Sox faced Devers in the first of three games on Friday. With a victory on Saturday or Sunday, they will have won six of the last seven series and five in a row.
If they succeed, it may be the Red Sox’s most spectacular series victory of the year. The Red Sox are juggling a thin lineup as a result of the trade and injuries, while the Giants, 42-34, have been among the top teams in the National League this season, despite the turmoil surrounding Devers.
Naturally, the drama involving Devers will continue to take precedence over all other events in the series. It’s also a little odd that the Red Sox are playing him so soon after the deal, especially because it’s an interleague game.
Although Cora said that playing Devers so soon after the transfer felt strange, he still thinks highly of him and wishes him luck.
Cora responded, “That’s the business.” Even if it’s difficult to perceive them, they are decent individuals and players. With the exception of the weekend we’re playing, I’ll always support them.
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