FORT MYERS, Fla. — Rafael Devers has only played 56 games at third base at the major league level.
Though he played his entire minor league career at the position, he still knows he’s got a lot to learn.
That’s why Manager Alex Cora invited his former teammate and 2007 World Series MVP Mike Lowell to Red Sox camp this week to work with Devers.
“It was awesome learning from him because he was an All-Star when he was playing here and he basically just told me to have confidence and trust my hands because I have good hands and the more I work with him the better I know I’ll get,” Devers said.
Lowell lives in Miami and will be in Red Sox camp through the end of the week. On Tuesday, he worked with Devers on improving anticipation.
Cora said Lowell has been very impressed with what he’s seen from Devers.
“It just makes me feel really proud of myself,” Devers said of Lowell’s praise. “When you hear things like that you can’t help but be happy and also want to work hard so that those things they say about you reign true in the test of time.”
As he approaches his first full season in the majors, the 21-year-old spent extra time in the weight room this winter to try build strength and endurance for the season.
“This year I pushed myself hard in the weight room because everyone tells you the major league season is a long one,” he said. “It’s longer than any season I’ve played in so I worked on my muscles and making sure my conditioning was good so I make sure I can be able to play all 162 games healthy.”
Devers thinks as long as he can stay healthy, he’ll have a strong season. In 58 games last season, Devers hit .284 with an .819 OPS, 14 doubles and 10 homers.
CORA ANNOUNCED his starting pitchers for the first two spring training games Thursday.
Left-handed prospect Jalen Beeks will start the opener against Northeastern and right-hander Chandler Shepherd will start against Boston College. Both former Portland Sea Dogs pitchers were added to the 40-man roster in November, though they’re expected to begin the year in Pawtucket.
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