Rafael Devers: The Struggle is Real

Baseball is a game of numbers and consistency. But, when a player hits a rough patch, it can be tough to bounce back. This is exactly what Rafael Devers, a key player for the Boston Red Sox, is experiencing right now. His early-season slump has been hard to miss, especially since he's facing some unique challenges at the plate. Devers has been in a tough spot. He's currently hitless in a series against the Texas Rangers. But that's not all. He's also set a new MLB record with 10 strikeouts in just the first three games of the season. That's a lot of swings and misses. It's clear that Devers is having trouble with his timing, especially when it comes to fastballs. This is a big deal, because fastballs are a major part of the game. But Devers isn't alone in this. His manager, Alex Cora, and the rest of the Red Sox team are stepping in to help. Cora has been paying close attention to Devers' swings and has noticed a few things that might be causing the issues. For instance, Devers' open stance could be a problem. If a player isn't grounded in their stance, it can be tough to time the ball right. This is something Cora has picked up on, and he's been working with Devers to fix it.Cora has also been looking at other aspects of Devers' swing. He's noticed some bad habits creeping in, like issues with his hand position. But Cora isn't just telling Devers what to fix. He's been having open conversations with him, talking about details they've noticed throughout his career. This way, Devers can understand what he needs to work on and how to fix it. It's important to note that Cora isn't just a manager. He's also a former player, and he knows what it's like to struggle at the plate. He's not trying to break down Devers' swing and tell him exactly what to do. Instead, he's using his experience and observations to guide Devers in the right direction. This approach can be more helpful, because it allows Devers to make adjustments based on his own feelings and experiences. Devers has also made a big change this season. He's switched from playing third base to being a full-time designated hitter. This means he's focusing solely on hitting, which can be a big adjustment. But Cora isn't giving Devers a break just because of this change. Instead, he's letting Devers work through his issues and find his rhythm again. This can be a tough process, but it's an important one. It allows Devers to build confidence and consistency, which are key to a successful season.