As the excitement builds for the start of the 2021 Major League Baseball season, fans of the Boston Red Sox are eagerly awaiting the return of their star third baseman, Rafael Devers. However, there has been some concern among fans as Devers hasn’t appeared in a Cactus League game since February 26th. This unexpected absence has left many wondering what could be causing the delay in Devers’ return to the field. But before we jump to conclusions, let’s take a closer look at the situation.
First and foremost, it’s important to remember that the Cactus League games are just a precursor to the regular season. They serve as an opportunity for players to shake off the rust and work on their skills before the games start counting. With that in mind, it’s not uncommon for players to take a slower approach to these games, especially those who have already proven themselves at the major league level. And that is exactly the case with Rafael Devers.
Devers had an impressive season in 2020, earning his first All-Star selection and finishing 12th in the MVP voting. He hit .263 with 11 home runs and 43 RBIs in 57 games. It’s safe to say that his spot on the team is secure, and he doesn’t need to prove himself in meaningless Cactus League games. In fact, Devers’ focus is likely on getting ready for the regular season and avoiding any potential injuries.
Furthermore, Devers did participate in the Red Sox’s intra-squad game on March 5th, taking a few at-bats and playing third base. This shows that he is making progress towards being game ready and that the team is just being cautious with him. After all, Devers has been a consistently excellent player for the Red Sox since his debut in 2017, and the team wants to ensure that he stays healthy for the long season ahead.
But, as with any athlete, there can also be personal reasons for a training camp absence. With the current global circumstances, it’s possible that Devers has been dealing with some personal matters and needs some time away from the field. And that is perfectly okay. The Red Sox organization has always put the well-being of their players first, and if Devers needs some time to recharge and refocus, then he should take it.
However, while Devers may not have been playing in Cactus League games, he has not been idle. He has been working out off the field and getting in his batting practice. In fact, he has been racking up home runs in batting practice, showcasing the powerful swing that has made him one of the best hitters in the game. And that is a promising sign for the regular season.
In addition, Devers has been working on his defense, which was an area of concern for him last season. He has been making strides in improving his footwork and range at third base, and the Red Sox coaching staff has been impressed with his progress. This shows that Devers is committed to taking his game to the next level and is determined to be a well-rounded player.
So, while some may have been worried about Devers’ absence from the Cactus League games, there is no need to panic. The young third baseman has been putting in the work and is focused on being ready for the start of the season. Given his track record, there is no reason to doubt that he will continue to be a key player for the Red Sox and contribute to their success.
In conclusion, let’s not read too much into Rafael Devers’ absence from the Cactus League games. He is a proven player who doesn’t need to prove himself in meaningless games and is likely being cautious to avoid any potential injuries. He also may have personal reasons for his absence, and that should be respected. But one thing is for sure, Devers is working hard and is committed to being a key player for the Red Sox this season. So, let’s have faith in our star third baseman and look forward to seeing him back on the field when the games start to count. Go Red Sox!
