Rafael Devers has been the Boston Red Sox's designated hitter all season after a fairly notable discussion during spring training about who would be the starting third baseman. Devers, who was the team's regular third baseman when healthy over the last six seasons,

The Red Sox signed Cora to a contract extension in July 2024 worth $7 million per season, with the deal extending through the 2027 campaign. Given the strong support he has from both the front office and clubhouse, an in-season firing always seemed unlikely.

Red Sox DH Rafael Devers didn’t run out a slow ground ball (68 mph off his bat) to second base in the sixth inning Sunday. But manager Alex Cora said "it wasn't lack of hustle."