Rafael Devers managed to quiet a lot of the negativity about his refusal to play first base by doing a fantastic job as a designated hitter this weekend. Devers

Giolito delivered, pitching 6⅔ strong innings as the Red Sox beat the Royals, 3-1, before a crowd of 25,785 at Kauffman Stadium.

That’s no longer the case as the Red Sox ask him to learn an entirely new position. There exists at least the potential for Devers to flub chances and not dig out throws and cost his team games. And even if that doesn’t happen, Devers could fear it might.