### Red Sox Manager Alex Cora's Firm Stance on Rafael Devers' Position Amid Injury Concerns The Boston Red Sox are currently facing a significant dilemma regarding their infield positions, particularly concerning Rafael Devers and the recent injury to Alex Bregman. Despite Bregman's quad strain, which could sideline him for an extended period, manager Alex Cora has made it clear that Devers will not be returning to third base. This decision has sparked discussions about the team's infield strategy and Devers' future role, especially as he has expressed reluctance to move from designated hitter back to third base. The situation is further complicated by the arrival of young prospect Marcelo Mayer, who has been called up to fill the third base position, indicating a shift in the team's approach to their roster management [https://www.sportskeeda.com/baseball/news-red-sox-manager-takes-firm-stance-rafael-devers-3b-position-conundrum, https://www.sportingnews.com/us/mlb/boston-red-sox/news/red-sox-alex-cora-stance-rafael-devers-alex-bregman-injury/498f2579be3aa0a68fe2d846]. ### Breakdown of the Current Situation 1. **Injury Impact**: Alex Bregman's injury has created a vacancy at third base, leading to speculation about Devers' potential return to that position. 2. **Manager's Decision**: Alex Cora has explicitly stated that Devers will not play third base, emphasizing the team's commitment to their current strategy [https://www.newsweek.com/sports/mlb/red-sox-manager-insists-star-slugger-will-not-play-third-base-despite-alex-bregman-injury-2077148]. 3. **Devers' Reluctance**: Devers has publicly shown hesitance to move back to third base, which complicates the situation further [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/alex_cora_makes_rafael_devers_decision_amid_latest_red_sox_news/s1_17615_42256023]. 4. **New Player Dynamics**: The call-up of Marcelo Mayer suggests a long-term strategy that does not involve Devers at third base, indicating a shift in the team's roster management philosophy [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/alex_cora_reveals_reason_for_red_sox_not_playing_rafael_devers_at_third_base/s1_17615_42246637]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Injury Duration**: Bregman's quad strain is expected to keep him out for approximately two months, which raises questions about the team's infield configuration during this period [https://www.bostonherald.com/2025/05/24/red-sox-alex-bregman-injury-rafael-devers-third-base-alex-cora-abraham-toro-nick-sogard]. - **Managerial Quotes**: Cora has stated, "As of now, it's not happening…He's not going to play third base," reinforcing the team's stance on Devers' position [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/alex_cora_makes_rafael_devers_decision_amid_latest_red_sox_news/s1_17615_42256023]. - **Prospect Performance**: Marcelo Mayer's performance will be crucial as he steps into the third base role, with expectations that he can maintain the team's competitive edge during Bregman's absence [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6380299/2025/05/24/red-sox-third-base-rafael-devers-alex-bregman]. ### Conclusion: Navigating the Infield Conundrum In summary, the Boston Red Sox are navigating a complex situation regarding Rafael Devers and the third base position following Alex Bregman's injury. 1. **Cora's Firm Stance**: Manager Alex Cora has decisively ruled out Devers returning to third base, focusing instead on the current roster dynamics. 2. **Devers' Position**: Devers' reluctance to shift back to third base has been acknowledged, but the team's strategy appears to prioritize stability and the development of young talent like Marcelo Mayer. 3. **Future Implications**: The Red Sox's decision-making process will be critical as they aim to maintain competitiveness while managing player roles effectively during this injury period. This situation highlights the ongoing challenges teams face in balancing player preferences with strategic needs, particularly in the context of injuries and roster changes [https://www.newsweek.com/sports/mlb/rafael-devers-back-third-base-alex-bregman-injury-could-create-more-red-sox-drama-2076646].