Perhaps Boston fans rejoiced when Red Sox designated hitter Rafael Devers logged his first hit against the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday.
With Boston leading 2-0 at the top of the fifth inning, Devers doubled into right field off a 79 mph curveball from starting pitcher Zach Eflin. Red Sox shortstop Ceddanne Rafaela scored on the play.
Entering Wednesday night’s road matchup against the Baltimore Orioles, Devers was stuck in one of the worst slumps of his career.
Through his first five games, he was 0-for-19 at the plate. He also struck out 15 times, an MLB record through a player’s first five games, per ESPN’s David Schoenfield.
Devers switched from third base to DH before the season started. A player’s numbers can dip when they make this position change.
Minnesota Twins center fielder Byron Buxton played DH during the 2023 season. In 85 regular-season games, Buxton posted a .207 batting average. In 2024, he switched back to center field and finished with a .279 batting average in 102 games.
However, a player of Devers’ caliber should find his groove over the course of the season. In nine seasons with Boston, he has made three All-Star Games and won two Silver Sluggers.
