Red Sox Notes: Devers named DH, Chapman’s role officially, Sogard optioned to minors

(AP PHOTOS)

The Red Sox's worst-kept secret this spring is now official.

Rafael Devers will be the team’s everyday designated hitter, Alex Cora said on WEEI on Wednesday afternoon.

Cora finally acknowledged Devers’ role on the eve of Opening Day. Boston will play the Texas Rangers on Thursday; first pitch is scheduled for 4:05 p.m.

“We had conversations throughout spring training, and he was very vocal about how he felt, and we made a decision. Alex (Bregman) is going to play third. Raffy is going to DH,” Cora said during his weekly appearance on WEEI Afternoons. “We all are in the winning business, and he understands that. It’s like everything. You don’t have to agree with it. ... He’s been working hard not only with his swing but the routine. Of course, it’s a little bit different.”

The Sox skipper has full confidence that Devers will not only develop a routine for his new role but also establish himself as a premier designated hitter in the game.

(GETTY IMAGES)

“Every DH used to be a position player until they were DHs,” Cora said. “J.D. (Martinez) went through the same transition in 2018. He was an outfielder; he became a DH, and you saw what happened. So we expect the same thing. The kid is ready to go. He’s going to hit second against lefties and righties. And he’s going to DH. I think having Alex behind him (in the lineup) is going to benefit him. Honestly, I expect a great season from Raffy offensively.”

Early on in the spring, Devers was adamant that he would play third base not only this coming season but beyond. He’s since changed his tone and is ready to help the team win. Alex Bregman will be the Red Sox’ everyday third baseman this season and potentially for the duration of his contract with the club. He can opt out of his deal at the end of the next two seasons.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora announces roster decisions; one bullpen spot remains open

CHAPMAN IN THE NINTH INNING

Aroldis Chapman is officially the Red Sox closer.

In addition to closing, the hard-throwing lefty will also pitch in high-leverage spots, including the eighth inning.

“I think Chappy has been amazing,” Cora told reporters in Monterrey, Mexico, via MLB.com’s Ian Browne. “But if Corey Seager leads off the eighth, he could be used in the eighth. And there’s certain times he’s gonna pitch the eighth, but most (often), he’ll pitch the ninth inning.”

Boston made a handful of moves during the offseason to rebuild their bullpen with new additions in left-handers Chapman, Justin Wilson, Matt Moore, Jovani Morán, and Adam Ottavino. Of that group, Chapman is the only impact arm and has an extensive history of closing games.

(IMAGN)

These new pitchers will help fill the void left by All-Star closer Kenley Jansen, who signed with the Angels, and Chris Martin, who returned to his hometown Rangers. The loss of Jansen has left the Sox without a closer, and the team has been auditioning Chapman, three-time All-Star Liam Hendriks, and Justin Slaten for the ninth-inning role.

A few weeks back, MassLive’s Sean McAdam reported that Chapman was the in-house candidate to begin the season as the closer.

The veteran southpaw has a history of pitching in high-leverage situations over the course of his career. Chapman has 355 career saves under his belt and recently filled in the role of closer for the Pirates over the final two months of last season. The lefty finished the campaign with 14 saves and 98 strikeouts while posting a 3.79 ERA and 1.346 WHIP.

He's still throwing gas, routinely hitting triple digits at 37 years old. He brings swing-and-miss stuff to the back of the bullpen that the Sox haven't seen in a few years.

Chapman will still need to limit the free passes if he intends to hold on to the closer role.

SOGARD BACK TO WORCESTER

The Red Sox optioned infielder/outfielder Nick Sogard to Triple-A Worcester on Wednesday.

That means Romy Gonzalez will be the other infield bench option for the Red Sox. It was unclear whether Gonzalez would be ready for Opening Day; he had been dealing with inflammation in the oblique area the last few weeks of the spring.

The switch-hitting Sogard was competing with Gonzalez to be Triston Casas’ backup at first base.

Sogard went 13-for-52 (.250) with a .339 on-base percentage, .442 slugging percentage, .781 OPS, two homers, four doubles, six RBIs, 13 runs, two steals, seven walks, and 16 steals in 26 Grapefruit League games.

David Hamilton will also join Gonzalez on the Opening Day roster in a bench role. The speedy infielder can offer the Sox depth at second base and shortstop and will be an adequate backup for rookie Kristian Campbell.