The Boston Red Sox recently found themselves in a bit of controversy after suggesting Rafael Devers shift to first base. Devers, who had already been asked to make a significant change during Spring Training by moving from third base to designated hitter, understandably wasn’t thrilled with the request.

Initially, Devers had not anticipated becoming a designated hitter, but that changed with the signing of Alex Bregman. Despite this, Devers adapted well to the role. However, when Triston Casas got injured, Devers was asked to switch positions again, and having been told to set his glove aside, it seemed he wasn’t keen on yet another change, at least at that time.

The situation was quite tangled, and team icon Pedro Martinez discussed it in a conversation with Bleacher Report, expressing that he believed it was “mishandled” by manager Alex Cora and chief baseball officer Craig Breslow. Martinez commented, “Devers is a player who leads by his actions and doesn’t require guidance on how to handle things.

Regarding the approach to him about playing first base, I feel it was poorly managed. Not so much by Breslow, but more by Alex because he knows Devers well. If Alex had asked Devers to practice at first base with future plans in mind, Devers would have done so discreetly. No one would’ve been aware that Devers was being prepped for first base.”

Martinez continued, “Devers never refuses any task. He’d go to first, he’d even practice in the outfield. But if there’s no communication and he’s abruptly told he’s no longer a third baseman, or if the plan is suddenly disclosed…it’s not ideal. Especially if Bregman were to get injured unexpectedly, you’d need Devers back at third.

Telling him to discard his glove only to ask him to pick up a first baseman’s glove isn’t fair. He’s quite reserved and doesn’t want to risk looking bad, and trust me, I know. No one wants to risk embarrassment in front of 45,000 fans by attempting a position they’ve never played.”