Bello Starts Season on Injured List; Devers’ Debut Delayed

The Boston Red Sox are navigating early-season injury obstacles, with significant updates on starting pitcher Brayan Bello and slugger Rafael Devers.

Manager Alex Cora revealed that Bello will miss the start of the 2025 MLB regular season due to shoulder inflammation, while Devers, who is undergoing swing adjustments, has had his Grapefruit League debut postponed.

Both players are key contributors to the Red Sox roster, as the team seeks to balance short-term setbacks with long-term health.

Here’s a deeper look into what these developments mean for Boston’s ambitious campaign ahead.

Brayan Bello’s Shoulder Sidelines Him for Opening Week

The announcement of Brayan Bello’s absence from the start of the regular season was a disappointing, albeit strategic decision for the Red Sox.

The young pitcher’s right shoulder inflammation will keep him on the injured list temporarily, though the team expects him back early in the season after a brief stint in Triple-A Worcester.

Cora indicated that Bello could miss just one or two starts through the rotation, which gives Boston hope that his absence will not spiral into a prolonged setback.

Impact on the Pitching Rotation

Bello’s injury has prompted significant shifts in what initially appeared to be a six-man rotation for 2025.

With Kutter Crawford also sidelined due to a knee issue, the team has abandoned its plans for the expanded rotation.

Instead, Boston’s front four of Garrett Crochet, Tanner Houck, Walker Buehler, and Lucas Giolito will anchor the rotation while Richard Fitts, Quinn Priester, and Cooper Criswell battle for the fifth starter role during spring training.

• Richard Fitts: A polished prospect looking to make his mark in the majors.
• Quinn Priester: A young arm with potential upside who could fit the role well.
• Cooper Criswell: A reliable depth option with prior big-league experience.

Despite these setbacks, the Red Sox remain optimistic, particularly with the quality and depth of their top four rotation starters.

However, challenges lie ahead in effectively managing innings and ensuring smooth transitions for fill-in starters in the critical opening weeks.

Rafael Devers Grapefruit League Debut Delayed Again

Rafael Devers, one of Boston’s most potent offensive threats, has seen his spring debut pushed back to Saturday instead of Wednesday.

This delay isn’t raising alarms yet, with the organization confident he’ll be ready for Opening Day.

Devers’ setback stems from a shoulder issue that plagued him last season, adversely affecting his mechanics and swing path, particularly against inside pitches.

Devers’ Mechanical Adjustments

In response to last year’s struggles, Devers has been actively working on improving his swing mechanics, addressing bad habits developed during his sore-shoulder phase.

These adjustments aim to ensure he regains his ability to attack inside pitches with precision and power, bolstering his role as a key offensive contributor for Boston.

While health concerns remain at the forefront, Devers’ delayed Grapefruit League start underscores the team’s focus on preparing him methodically rather than rushing him to game action.

This strategy highlights the Red Sox’s commitment to preserving their star player’s long-term performance.

The Question of Defensive Positioning

An intriguing subplot to Devers’ return is whether he’ll start the season at third base or take on designated hitter duties.

Early signs point to the latter option, as newly acquired free agent Alex Bregman has been heavily involved at third base during spring training.

This shift could enhance Devers’ offensive production by reducing his defensive workload.

Red Sox Strike the Balance Between Health and Competition

Boston’s management team has made it clear: prioritizing long-term health over short-term urgency is the guiding principle behind the decisions surrounding Bello and Devers.

While fans may feel frustrated with the echoes of spring training caution, it’s a smart move in an era increasingly defined by injury prevention and player longevity.

The absence of Bello and delayed debut of Devers will undoubtedly test the organizational depth built into Boston’s offseason moves.

The team’s decision to prioritize medical recovery rather than rushing returns is emblematic of Cora’s approach to not only contend but to sustain a competitive edge throughout the season.

Early missteps are often an unavoidable reality for MLB contenders, but the organization’s proactive measures could ensure that both Bello and Devers are ready to shine under the Fenway Park lights sooner rather than later.

Their impact will be felt as Boston chases its ultimate goal: bringing another championship banner to Beantown.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Bello (shoulder) to start season on IL; Devers’ ST debut pushed to Saturday