Boston Red Sox legend and Baseball Hall of Famer David Ortiz has raised a red flag about the 2023 lineup surrounding star third baseman Rafael Devers. With his vast experience and proven success on the field, Ortiz’s worries about the team’s offense are sure to be taken seriously. Will the Red Sox be able to step up and fill the gap, or will Devers be left to carry the weight of the team’s offense alone? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure – the eyes of Red Sox Nation and the baseball world will closely watch this developing story.

Rafael Devers Performance

Rafael Devers is a talented third baseman for the Boston Red Sox in Major League Baseball. He hails from the Dominican Republic and has established himself as an All-Star in both 2021 and 2022. Devers’ journey in the Major Leagues began in 2017 with his debut.

Rafael Davers had an excellent performance in the 2022 season. According to MLB stats, he posted an average of 0.295, ranking him 17th in the league. He also hit 27 home runs, tied for 31st in the season, and drove in 88 runs, tied for 27th. Furthermore, his OPS was 0.879, placing him 9th in the league for the season. These statistics demonstrate Davers’s consistent production and impact on the field for his team.

Rafael Devers’s Importance in the Red Sox Lineup

Rafael Devers is a critical player in the Boston Red Sox lineup and plays a crucial role in the team’s success. Devers, a third baseman, is known for his solid hitting ability and has established himself as one of the top offensive players in the league.

Devers’ offensive production is a significant factor in the Red Sox lineup, providing consistent power and run-scoring potential. He has a reputation for hitting for both average and energy, and his ability to drive in runs is invaluable to the team’s success. Devers is also a strong defender at third base, making him a well-rounded player and a valuable asset to the team.

The importance of Devers in the Red Sox lineup cannot be overstated. He is a cornerstone of the team’s offense and has become a leader on the field. With his combination of power, average, and defensive skills, Devers is a valuable player and a vital part of the Red Sox’s success. His contributions to the team cannot be replaced, and his continued production is essential to the team’s success in the future.

Moreover, betting on Major League Baseball (MLB) season is a popular pastime for many sports fans. The performance of players such as Rafael Devers is often a factor in these wagers. Nonetheless, while sports betting in the home state of the Boston Red Sox is yet to be made legal, there are opportunities for fans to place wagers involving the star player. The state will make it go live imminently.

As a result, it is expected that there will be numerous opportunities for individuals in Massachusetts to place bets on MLB games, including those featuring Devers, once some of the greatest promo codes in Massachusetts become available. It would not be a shock if we were to see a number of fans – given their loyalty – placing wagers on the team and its stars.

Lack of Team Support is a Concern for Ortiz

David Ortiz is only confident in the Red Sox lineup after Rafael Devers. He appeared on WEEI and stated that if he faced Devers as an opponent, he would pitch around him without hesitation. This is because Devers is considered one of the most dangerous hitters in baseball. Ortiz has experience being in this situation and knows that he would not be pitched to if he had no support from his team.

David Ortiz had strong lineup protection during his career with the Red Sox, either with Manny Ramirez or Hanley Ramirez. In 2014, he wanted the Red Sox to sign Nelson Cruz to have more power in the lineup, but he ended up being the only player with more than 17 home runs. However, that Red Sox team still made it to the World Series and later added Mookie Betts. However, the current Red Sox team finished last place and lost key hitters Xander Bogaerts and J.D. Martinez, leaving Rafael Devers as the only All-Star on the team without support.

Possible Support for Devers

Moreover, Ortiz mentioned several possible sources of support that could be available at Fenway Park, including Triston Casas, a rookie with a mix of power and patience but who struggled with injuries and hit just .197 last year, Adam Duvall, a recent signee who hit 38 home runs and had 113 RBIs two years ago but is coming off a .213 season, and Justin Turner, a 38-year-old who primarily batted fifth or sixth with the Dodgers but may be able to turn back the clock.

Ortiz fears that if Devers does not receive enough support, it could lead to a frustrating season. He believes that Devers needs someone to consistently protect him so that he can see pitches and maintain his production. He understands that the situation could go either way and will depend on whether Devers is missing or chasing pitches. The outcome of the season is still uncertain.

The 2023 Plans: A Look Ahead

The prospects Nick Yorke and Marcelo Mayer have yet to play in Double-A, while Jarren Duran and Triston Casas have seen time in the MLB this season. These players are essential to the 2023 plans. Experienced players like Trevor Story and Alex Verdugo are also part of the core.

Ortiz has seen firsthand what Devers is capable of. At the same time, it’s too early to speculate on how the 2023 Red Sox team might perform. Ortiz believes that Devers is an essential part of the Boston lineup, and they don’t have enough players with his potential power yet. Boston needs to be proactive and make sure this doesn’t happen again.

What ends up happening throughout the 2023 MLB season is anybody’s guess at this stage!