dpA sizable media scrum crowded around Rafael Devers in the visitors’ dugout on Friday afternoon ahead of his first appearance at Fenway Park since being traded to the Giants last season.
“Very happy to be back,” Devers said via an interpreter. “I know the fans were very good to me, so I’m very happy to be back.”
Devers was named an All-Star three times in his eight-plus years in Boston.
His tenure ended with drama, as he became notably frustrated with the team’s decision to sign third baseman Alex Bregman. The big question now is how Fenway fans will receive him when he takes the field Friday night.
Devers said he hadn’t thought about it.
“I don’t know what to expect,” he said. “This is my first experience. I don’t know if they’re going to cheer, I don’t know what they’re going to do, so I really don’t have an answer.”
If fans were to boo, it’d likely be because of the manner in which Devers’s tenure ended. Devers initially resisted a move to full-time designated hitter, and he refused to play first base.
He now plays both positions with the Giants and said he feels “very comfortable” at first base.
“I want to thank [Giants infield coach Ron Washington] for working with me,” Devers said. “I had a lot of support here.”
Fourteen months removed from the trade, Devers made it clear the past is in the past. He said there was no sadness as he entered Fenway Park, and while he wouldn’t say there’s added pressure, he’s hoping to play well.
“Like I said before, I move on, I turn the page,” Devers said. “I knew that this day was going to come, but I’m mature now and just move on and just enjoy the moment.”
Avery Hill can be reached at [email protected].
