Rafael Devers skipped first base workouts with Giants legend originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
David Ortiz apparently isn’t the only MLB legend to get snubbed by Rafael Devers.
San Francisco Giants great Will Clark tried to help Devers get acclimated to first base, but the former Boston Red Sox slugger skipped workouts with Clark on three consecutive days. Red Sox radio voice Will Flemming told the story during Monday’s WEEI Afternoons radio show, recalling Boston’s series in San Francisco following last month’s blockbuster trade.
“He’s going to hit home runs, of course he is,” Flemming said of Devers. “They don’t yet know what is going to happen with the player. I was there the second day, Will Clark was there to work on ground balls with him at first base, and Raffy didn’t show up. So, that’s the person these guys have been dealing with for a long time.”
Flemming’s story was confirmed by Clark himself. The six-time All-Star spoke on the No Filter Network about Devers no-showing workouts at first base.
“Friday, Saturday, Sunday, he did not come out early, at all. Period, not all. In fact, he didn’t even hit on the field,” Clark said. “Everybody’s like, ‘Oh my God, I’m so sorry, Will. I’m so sorry.’”
Clark didn’t take Devers’ absence personally. In fact, he didn’t blame Devers for not wanting to take reps at first base with the Boston media in town to monitor his every move.
“I know what the (expletive) happened,” Clark said. “I said, he didn’t want to go out and be at first base and be 20 feet in front of their freaking dugout with what went on in Boston, and now he’s working with me at first base. He didn’t want to have to go through all that (expletive) through the press in the media. So, I completely understand.”
The Red Sox’ relationship with Devers worsened after chief baseball officer Craig Breslow asked him to replace the injured Triston Casas at first base — a position he has never played in his nine-year career — after already moving him from third base to designated hitter. However, Devers immediately changed his tune upon his arrival in the Bay and stated his willingness to play anywhere on the field.
Devers has since taken some practice reps at first base with the Giants, but he has yet to play the field in a game with his new club. Clark vows to make sure Devers is ready to play first base if and when San Francisco asks him to play the position.
“But Rafael Devers, the next time I’m in San Francisco, your ass will be on the field at first base, just letting you know that,” Clark said. “Even if I gotta go grab you by the (expletive) back of the neck and drag your ass out there, you will be at first base.”
After a rocky start to his Giants tenure, Devers has started to heat back up in July. He’s slashing .320/.419/.440 with three doubles, four RBI, seven strikeouts and four walks through seven games this month. He’ll take a seven-game hit streak into Tuesday’s game against the Philadelphia Phillies.
As for Devers’ former team, the Red Sox will look to earn their fifth straight win when they host the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday night.