Red Sox manager Alex Cora announced Rafael Devers (shoulders) will make his Grapefruit League debut Wednesday against the Twins, per team reports.

Fantasy Impact

Devers, 28, has been cautiously strengthening both shoulders with no hitches—locked in for Wednesday after a Tuesday/Wednesday toss-up, he’s got ample runway to gear up for the March 27 opener against the Rangers, though it’s unclear if he’ll man third or DH with Alex Bregman in tow, despite his firm 3B stance. Fantasy managers can count on his elite bat; positional wrinkles won’t dim his shine.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Friday that Rafael Devers (shoulders) is aiming for his Grapefruit League debut Tuesday or Wednesday, per team reports.

Fantasy Impact

Devers, slowed early in camp by last year’s shoulder woes, is about a week behind his initial debut plan—honing his timing in live BP—but shows no physical red flags, leaving his March 27 Opening Day spot vs. the Rangers safe. Fantasy managers can keep him locked as a top-tier 3B; he’ll have enough reps to roll.

Rafael Devers (shoulders) won’t take the field for his Grapefruit League debut Wednesday as planned, per team reports.

Fantasy Impact

The 28-year-old’s been easing into camp after last season’s shoulder woes, and he’s told manager Alex Cora he needs more time to lock in his timing during live BP—not a physical issue, just a feel thing. Still, the slow start’s stacking up concerns this spring. Fantasy managers banking on his .280/30+ HR bat can hold steady, but his prep pace bears watching as Opening Day nears.

Rafael Devers (shoulders) might open the season as Boston’s designated hitter, with Alex Bregman at third and Kristian Campbell at second, per early roster projections.

Fantasy Impact

Devers has been vocal about sticking at third base, but the Red Sox brass—chief baseball officer Craig Breslow and manager Alex Cora—seem set on slotting him at DH, hinting he’ll land where they need him. He’s been easing back from last year’s shoulder issues, targeting a Grapefruit League debut on March 5. Fantasy-wise, the DH gig doesn’t dent his bat—think .280, 30+ HR upside—but a slow spring could delay his rhythm. He’s still a top-tier corner infield pick; just watch how this positional tug-of-war shakes out.

The Red Sox plan for Rafael Devers (shoulder) to make his first spring appearance at third base on March 5, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Fantasy Impact

Devers has been ramping up his workload behind the scenes as he continues strengthening his shoulder following last year’s injuries. While manager Alex Cora has yet to confirm Devers' long-term defensive role, he did state that Alex Bregman will get reps at second base this spring. If Devers returns to third full-time, it could have ripple effects on Boston’s infield alignment heading into the season.