The Red Sox’s starting lineup for Sunday’s spring training game featured several projected Opening Day starters, with one notable exception.
Rafael Devers will not play in Boston’s spring training matchup with the Toronto Blue Jays in Fort Myers, Fla. Devers is coming off a pair of shoulder injuries that hindered his 2024 season, so the Red Sox understandably are taking it slow with their superstar slugger.
Speaking with the media Saturday, Boston manager Alex Cora shed light on Devers’ progression toward returning to full health.
“He’s hitting off the Trajekt (pitching machine), which is great,” Cora told reporters, per MassLive. “Today is the first day on the field. We had live BPs, he’s probably tracking there. He’ll let us know.
“He took grounders this morning with Flo (infield coach José Flores). Threw to first base. He’s getting there. But not 100%.”
Story continues below advertisement
Cora was not sure when Devers would make his spring training debut. But with the three-time All-Star not yet ready for game action, newcomer Alex Bregman will see time at third base Sunday.
The exhibition contest, which will mark Garrett Crochet’s spring training debut, is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. ET.
Featured image via Eric Canha/Imagn Images
