Rafael Devers discussed how he’s dealing with a lingering shoulder injury
"I hope it doesn't keep bothering me after these two or three days but that's something I can't control."
Rafael Devers injury update: Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers missed his third game of the 2024 season on Thursday due to a sore shoulder (he also missed two games in the opening series of the year against the Mariners).
The 27-year-old, speaking via translator Carlos Villoria Benítez, said he is “day-to-day.” Devers added that there is a likelihood he will miss at least a game in the upcoming series against the Angels.
“I’ve been feeling it since Spring Training,” Devers said, per MLB.com’s Ian Browne. “But every time I was swinging, I was feeling it a little bit more and more.
“I think like two or three days [off] could be enough,” he explained. “I hope it doesn’t keep bothering me after these two or three days but that’s something I can’t control. That’s why I’m just trying to keep working to get stronger, to get my shoulder back in a good way.”
As for the possibility of a trip to the injured list, Red Sox manager Alex Cora is giving Devers a little more time to see if the issue resolves itself through rest.
“Hopefully not,” Cora told reporters when asked if Devers would head to the IL prior to Thursday’s game. “Let’s see how it goes. But it’s too early to be grinding. That’s the way I see it. He’s too important to us for him to be grinding for his swing and then making it worse. He felt [the shoulder Wednesday]. He needed a day so we decided to give him a day today.”
Trivia: In 2023, Rafael Devers joined elite company when he became the 35th player in Red Sox history to notch at least career 500 RBIs. Only three players reached the milestone at younger ages. Can you name them?
(Answer at the bottom).
Hint: All three are Hall of Famers. Two were California natives who played together on the 1946 pennant-winning team, while the other was born in South Carolina and made his Red Sox debut in 1974.
Scores and schedules:
The Red Sox lost to the Orioles 9-4 in 10 innings on Thursday as Baltimore completed the three-game sweep. Boston begins a new three-game series tonight at Fenway Park against the Angels at 7:10 p.m.
The Celtics also lost on Thursday, falling to the Knicks 118-109. Boston closes out the regular season with two more home games (tonight at 7:30 p.m. against the Hornets and Sunday against the Wizards).
At the Frozen Four, Boston College men’s hockey advanced to the national championship, defeating Michigan 4-0. Boston University lost to Denver 2-1 in overtime in the other semifinal.
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Julian Edelman gives some backstory: The former seventh-round pick explains how he managed to make an NFL roster (and eventually become Tom Brady’s go-to target) despite having played quarterback in college.
On this day: In 1981, Tom Watson held off the field (including Jack Nicklaus) to win his second Masters, and the Celtics completed the Eastern Conference Semifinals sweep of the Bulls with a 109-103 win (Larry Bird leading the way with 35 points and 11 rebounds).
Daily highlight: Boston University lost in the end, but this save from goaltender Mathieu Caron was absolutely legendary.
One more look at the full extension:
Trivia answer: Ted Williams, Bobby Doerr, Jim Rice
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