Red Sox Scramble at First Base After Casas Injury – Devers Says 'No Thanks' to Position Switch
The Boston Red Sox have a problem—and it’s not a small one. Triston Casas, their powerful young first baseman, is out for the entire 2025 season after suffering a brutal knee injury. The 24-year-old ruptured his left patellar tendon, underwent surgery, and is now on the long road to recovery. And just like that, the Red Sox have a glaring hole at first base.
But here's the twist—Rafael Devers isn't stepping in to fix it.
You’d think with Casas sidelined, the team might ask their superstar slugger, who’s already taken one for the team by switching from third base to designated hitter (DH), to consider manning first. They did ask him, actually. And his response? A firm and clear "no."
“They already asked me to change once,” Devers told reporters after blasting a home run in Boston’s 5–0 win over the Rangers. “Now they’re going back on that. I don’t feel they stayed true to their word.”
Let’s back up for a second.
What Happened to Casas?
Casas had been viewed as a cornerstone of the Red Sox’s future, a power-hitting first baseman with solid plate discipline. But after going down with a ruptured patellar tendon, his season was shut down, casting serious doubt on his long-term viability at such a demanding position. Knee injuries, especially those that require surgery and extensive rehab, can dramatically affect mobility and defensive performance—both crucial for a first baseman.
So now, with Casas unavailable, Boston needs answers—and fast.
So Why Not Devers?
The team did what seemed like the logical next step: they approached Devers. After all, he’s one of the most talented players on the roster, a three-time All-Star, and already in a non-defensive role as a full-time DH. Why not give first base a shot?
Devers, however, wasn’t having it.
“I know I’m a ballplayer, but at the same time, they can’t expect me to play every single position out there,” he said. “They basically told me to put away my glove in spring training. I wasn’t going to play anything other than DH. That’s the agreement.”
It’s a fair point. Devers was already asked to give up third base duties when the Red Sox signed Alex Bregman in the offseason. Bregman, a proven third baseman, slid right into the hot corner, pushing Devers to DH. That switch wasn’t exactly voluntary, and Devers has been clear ever since—DH is his job now, and he wants to stick to it.
“They told me I was going to DH, and now they’re changing it up. I don’t think it’s right.”
The Devers–Breslow Back-and-Forth
Devers also shared that he spoke directly with Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow about the situation. Breslow, a former MLB pitcher who was a key part of Boston’s 2013 World Series bullpen, now heads up the team’s front office. While the conversation didn’t get heated, Devers did voice his frustration.
“He played ball. I’d like to think he knows changing positions isn’t easy,” Devers said through interpreter Daveson Perez. “They put me in this situation, and now they want me to be an in-between guy. That doesn’t sit right with me.”
In fact, Devers went a step further, calling on Breslow to do his job and find someone who’s actually ready to play first base.
“Now they should go out and get somebody else. Hit the market. I’m not sure why they expect me to be the fallback plan. Next thing you know, someone in the outfield gets hurt, and they’ll want me to go out there. I know what kind of player I am—and this is where I stand.”
So What’s the Plan Now?
With Devers refusing to budge, the Red Sox are turning to a temporary patchwork solution. Currently, the team is rolling with a platoon of Romy Gonzalez and Abraham Toro at first base.
Let’s be honest—this isn’t exactly the dream team.
Both Gonzalez and Toro have shown flashes of potential but neither has proven to be a consistent offensive force or an elite defender. It’s the kind of move that screams, “Let’s hope this works… for now.”
If the Red Sox want to stay competitive, they’ll likely need to make a move before the trade deadline. A veteran first baseman who can bring some stability—both at the plate and in the field—might be the best path forward. There’s also the possibility of calling up a prospect, though that comes with its own risks.
Key Takeaways & What It Means for the Season:
Here’s what this all boils down to:
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🩼 Casas is out for the year, which leaves a big void both offensively and defensively.
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❌ Devers isn’t moving to first—he’s sticking to DH, as promised in spring training.
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🧩 Red Sox are patching the hole with a platoon of Toro and Gonzalez.
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🔍 A trade or signing seems likely, unless someone unexpectedly breaks out.
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😬 Team chemistry and communication are in question, especially between leadership and Devers.
This Casas injury could end up being more than just a hit to the lineup—it could signal deeper structural concerns for the Red Sox. Did the front office make the right call pushing Devers into the DH role so early? Was there a clear long-term plan at first base in case of injury?
And most importantly—will the current setup be enough to keep the Sox in the playoff hunt?
Looking Ahead
Boston's front office is in a tough spot. With Casas sidelined and Devers firm on his role, they're going to need creativity and maybe even a little boldness to fill the first base hole without throwing the rest of the lineup out of sync. Whether they find help internally, go to the waiver wire, or swing a trade, one thing’s for sure—the clock is ticking.
As for Devers, he’s not being difficult—he’s being honest. In a league where players are often shuffled around without much say, it’s refreshing to hear someone stand firm, especially when the team has already asked him to adapt once.
“They say I’m a little hard-headed,” Devers laughed. “But I know who I am.”
And maybe that’s exactly the kind of confidence Boston needs—just not at first base.
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