The Boston Red Sox clearly want to put their best team on the field, but with Rafael Devers refusing to play first base, that isn’t happening. Factor that in with some of the injuries the Red Sox have dealt with, and things could get more confusing.
One injury in particular, to Masataka Yoshida, the left-handed hitting outfielder, could be the one to consider. Yoshida, who doesn't look ready to return due to his arm injury, could benefit greatly from Devers taking one for the team and playing first base. Reporter Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe spoke about how Devers playing first base could be a great opportunity to get Yoshida back in the lineup, ultimately giving the Red Sox exactly what they want.
"Yoshida is a (5-foot-8) outfielder who hasn’t played all season as he recovers from shoulder surgery. Making his life even more complicated by changing positions is a bad idea," Abraham wrote.
"The best-case scenario for Yoshida at this point — beyond a trade — would be Devers moving to first and Yoshida getting a chance to DH. Otherwise, it’ll be more rehab until Yoshida is deemed ready to play the outfield, and where would he fit in the outfield?"
Devers, one of the better players in Major League Baseball, isn't thinking about this.
However, if he wants to help the team and get Yoshida back on the field, this could be something to consider.
He'd have an opportunity to be a designated hitter, which would be welcomed in the Red Sox lineup.
While Yoshida hasn't exactly shown to be the perfect player, he’s still put together good at-bats throughout his career, posting a 111 OPS+ in his first two seasons at the Major League level.
