It’s a role Rafael Devers didn’t want, and he has yet to deliver.
On Saturday night, the new Red Sox designated hitter became the first major league player to strike out 10 times in the first three games of the season.
In Boston’s 4-3 loss to the Rangers, Devers went 0-for-4 and struck out three times, including his last at-bat that saw him swing and miss a 92.3 mph cutter from former teammate Chris Martin in the ninth inning.
Aside from a bases-loaded walk in the second inning on Saturday, Devers is 0-for-12 to start the year.
Rafael Devers heads to the dugout after striking out during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Texas Rangers, Saturday, March 29, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. AP
Outside of the batter’s box, the former third baseman was also dealing with drama during the offseason and into spring training.
After the Red Sox signed longtime Astros star Alex Bregman to a three-year, $120 million contract, Devers was moved to the DH position and the idea was not well received at the start of camp.
“Third base is my position,’’ Devers, who’s in the second season of a 10-year, $313.5 million contract, said through an interpreter in February. “That’s what I’ve played. I don’t know what their plans are. I know we had a conversation. I made it clear what my desires were, and yeah, whatever happens from here, I don’t know.”
The 28-year-old has been with the Red Sox since 2017 as the strong third baseman.
Rafael Devers #11 of the Boston Red Sox reacts during an at bat against the Texas Rangers during the second inning at Globe Life Field on March 29, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. Getty Images
Later on, however, Devers changed his mindset about the switch.
“We spoke already, and I’m good to do whatever they want me to do,” Devers told reporters in March in reference to conversations with manager Alex Cora and chief baseball officer Craig Breslow. “I’m here to help. I’ve already spoken with them about that, and they know where I stand. I’m just ready to play.”
On Friday, Devers also shrugged off the idea that his slow start is correlated to his position change.
Boston Red Sox designated hitter Rafael Devers (11) walks in the dugout in the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Tim Heitman-Imagn Images
“No, I think that’s in the past,” he said, according to MLB.com. “That was in spring training. Right now, we’re in the season. I’m a DH and I feel like you guys need to change the subject because that is over and I’m the DH.”
The previous record of nine strikeouts within the first three games was reached five times since 1901, according to SportRadar.
Brent Rooker (Athletics, 2024), Will Benson (Reds, 2023), Jack Cust (Rockies, 2002), Greg Luzinski (Phillies, 1974), and Wally Post (Reds, 1956) accomplished the ignominious feat.
