Why Rafael Devers briefly performed shortstop for the primary time since 2019 on Saturday

Purple Sox

He did not make any errors.

Mookie Betts and Rafael Devers chat throughout Saturday’s sport. Michael Dwyer/AP Picture

When Pablo Reyes left Saturday’s Purple Sox-Dodgers sport with left elbow ache, supervisor Alex Cora had no alternative however to reshuffle the infield.

He elected to place Luis Urías at third, Connor Wong at second, and, sure, Rafael Devers at shortstop.

Maybe probably the most stunning a part of the equation was the truth that Urías didn’t play quick. He’s appeared in 122 video games there all through his profession.

Devers, who made a slick play earlier within the sport at third to nab Mookie Betts at first, noticed motion at quick for the primary time since 2019. He solely performed two innings in 2019 – no balls got here his approach – and hadn’t returned since.

Cora selected to maintain Trevor Story at designated hitter. Reese McGuire entered to catch. Devers did his half at quick within the sixth, although no balls got here his approach this time, both.

Then after the Purple Sox turned a 4-2 deficit right into a 6-4 lead within the sixth, Story entered at quick. Devers moved again to 3rd, Urías shuffled again to second, and Wong turned the catcher once more.

So in a way, it was like Devers was by no means actually there. However, it did occur, and he didn’t make any errors.