Former Red Sox infielder and current color analyst Lou Merloni recently took to social media to address the injury to first baseman Triston Casas and the implications it could have on the Red Sox lineup. Merloni floated one name in particular as a potential solution—despite that player’s reluctance to make the move.
Lou Merloni Petitions for Rafael Devers to Play 1st Base
On May 2, Casas suffered a serious leg injury against the Minnesota Twins, later diagnosed as a ruptured patellar tendon that will likely sideline him for the rest of the season. The injury has left Boston scrambling to fill the void at first base.
Merloni suggested Rafael Devers, currently serving as the team’s designated hitter, is the best option to shift to first. Merloni wrote, “I think Devers will play 1B. He’s still pissed about Spring Training and it’s just like Spring Training when media asked what he would say if the team wants him at DH, ‘No!’ Team works better with him there. Eventually he will be. They didn’t change their minds. Their 1B got hurt.”
I think Devers will play 1B. He's still pissed about Spring Training and it's just like Spring Training when media asked what he would say if the team wants him to DH "No"! Team works better with him there. Eventually he will be. They didn't change their minds. Their 1B got hurt
— Lou Merloni (@LouMerloni) May 9, 2025
However, Devers is not on board. After the Red Sox acquired Alex Bregman from Houston and assigned him the everyday third base job, Devers was moved into the full-time DH role. He claims the front office instructed him during spring training to “put away the glove and focus on hitting.”
Now, just months later, the same front office is asking him to play first base—a position he has never played professionally. Devers’ frustrations have become public, as he reportedly questioned the team’s inconsistency and suggested Boston explore external options via trade.
Some believe his comments could land him in hot water, especially if he continues to resist a move that could benefit the team overall. While his reluctance may seem selfish on the surface, it’s also understandable—being asked to abandon his primary position for a brand-new one midseason is no small request.
Statistically, Devers has held his own at the plate in 2025. Through the first 30 games, he’s hitting .255 with six home runs, 25 RBIs, and an .834 OPS. His average exit velocity sits at 95.2 mph, showing he’s still making solid contact despite a slow start. Still, critics argue that his unwillingness to adapt could hurt the Red Sox in the long run, especially as they struggle with depth and lineup flexibility.
If he remains adamant about not playing the field, it’s not out of the question that the team explores trade options—particularly if internal tension continues to grow.
Only time will tell whether Boston stands by its star slugger or if this situation pushes them to make a bold decision of their own.