Rafael Devers Struggles as Red Sox Lose to Mariners

Rafael Devers, recently shifted from third base to designated hitter after the Red Sox signed Alex Bregman, has struggled to adapt both mentally and at the plate, with his batting average dipping below .200 and enduring a 16 at-bat hitless streak. Despite his offensive woes, Devers is leading the American League in walks and showing improved strike zone discipline, though this has not translated into the power and run production the team needs. Both manager Alex Cora and teammate Bregman remain optimistic, citing Devers' history and patience as reasons to expect a turnaround. Hall of Famer Edgar Martinez has advised Devers to avoid overthinking, emphasizing routine and mental preparation, while analysts note that Devers' inability to consistently handle fastballs is a significant contributor to his slump. The Red Sox, having built much of their lineup around Devers, are feeling the impact of his slow start, especially in clutch situations where he has underperformed. The team and fans await a resurgence, hoping that his approach and adjustments will soon yield the performance expected of their star slugger.