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Alex Cora and Red Sox players discussed ‘awkward’ timing of matchup vs. Rafael Devers, Giants
"It will be a little weird for sure, seeing him in those colors, just because he’s been here for such a long time, such a big part of this franchise."
The Red Sox prepare to face Rafael Devers: On Friday night, the Red Sox will be in San Francisco to begin a three-game series against the Giants. Waiting for them in the opposing dugout will be former Boston franchise player Rafael Devers.
Devers, 28, was traded to the Giants in a blockbuster deal less than a week ago in what was universally seen as a surprising move, especially given its timing (more than a month before the trade deadline). In facing his former team almost immediately after the deal, timing will once again be at the forefront of the conversation regarding Devers.
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Boston players and manager Alex Cora provided their thoughts and perspective on having to play against their former teammate so quickly after the trade in the buildup to Friday’s series opener.
“It will be a little weird for sure, seeing him in those colors, just because he’s been here for such a long time, such a big part of this franchise,” said shortstop Trevor Story, per MLB.com’s Ian Browne. “Once the game starts, I’m sure he’ll tell you the same — it’s about winning. He wants to win for his team and we want to win for ours.
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“Once the first pitch is thrown,” Story concluded, “it’s all about competition at that point.”
Cora, who explained that both Devers and Boston are “turning the page,” nonetheless acknowledged the plain reality.
“It’s so recent, right?” he admitted. “He’s going to do everything possible to kick our ass, and we’re going to do everything possible to do the same. So that’s the business of it. The only thing is it’s so recent that it’s going to feel awkward. But I think both teams have a job to do. Let’s play the game and try to win.”
Boston has actually been on a good run recently, even amid the trade drama and the fallout from the shocking decision to move on from Devers. The Red Sox have won seven of the team’s last eight games, and have cut the Yankees’ American League East lead down to five games.
Starting pitcher Brayan Bello summarized the mood, noting that as unexpected as the circumstances might be around Devers, the focus remains on trying to keep the good run going.
“Obviously, I didn’t expect to face him at all, but I’ll just be really happy to see him,” Bello said of Devers. “But the plan is to attack him and try to get him out.”
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Trivia: According to MLB records, what player has hit the most home runs against the Red Sox in league history?
(Answer at the bottom).
Hint: A former Boston player (and Hall of Famer), he was born in a Baltimore neighborhood called Pigtown.
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Club World Cup, and some MLS history: Lio Messi’s perfectly placed free kick led Inter Miami to a 2-1 win over Porto on Thursday in the Club World Cup. It marked the first time that an MLS team defeated a European team in an official competition.
On this day: In 1975, Pele and the New York Cosmos caused a stir at Nickerson Field against the Boston Minutemen of the NASL. The Brazilian superstar drew an overflow crow, but was eventually mobbed after what the spectators believed had been a signature goal (eventually called back due to a foul). He was forced off due to injury, capping a chaotic night. The Minutemen, led by Portuguese legend Eusebio, ended up winning 2-1 in overtime.
Daily highlight: A classic NBA Finals sequence from the Pacers received the kind of slow-motion replay it deserved. Tyrese Haliburton’s steal and no-look assist culminated with Pascal Siakam’s thundering dunk as Indiana kept the series alive, and headed for a decisive seventh game.
Trivia answer: Babe Ruth
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