David Ortiz recommends that the Boston Red Sox allow Rafael Devers to make the decision about playing first base himself, especially after Triston Casas' injury left a gap in that position. Ortiz argues that Devers has excelled as a designated hitter since he was asked to transition into that role. He emphasizes that switching positions should be a choice for Devers after gaining experience at first base, rather than being imposed by management, noting the importance of timing and readiness for such a transition.
"He's doing great as the DH. They asked for it, and he's doing great as the DH," Ortiz said. "Once (the) Casas situation goes down ... In people's minds, it was: 'Devers goes to first and (Masataka) Yoshida goes to DH and we are a better team'... But guess what? The kid was asked in a spring training to just hit and now all of a sudden you want to switch him over. It takes time."
"At one point, if Devers would like to practice at first base, and would like to go back to playing the whole defense thing, that is all on him," said Ortiz, sitting down with the AP while signing souvenirs for golfers.
"We asked him to be the DH. Fully asked him to be the DH," Big Papi said. "I remember that conversation in spring training. It's a different situation and the guy's doing great at what you asked him for."
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