Context:

The Boston Red Sox are currently grappling with internal issues involving key players Rafael Devers and Ceddanne Rafaela. Devers, who has been dealing with injuries, is resistant to transitioning to first base after losing his third base position to Alex Bregman, preferring to remain as a designated hitter. Meanwhile, outfielder Rafaela has been repeatedly ignoring managerial instructions to take the first pitch, opting instead to swing freely, which has led to frustration within the organization. Despite showing potential for better plate discipline during spring training, Rafaela's lack of adherence to strategic guidance during games has become a concern. These disciplinary issues highlight ongoing challenges for the Red Sox as they navigate the season with expectations of high performance from their star players.

Dive Deeper:

• Rafael Devers is facing issues with adapting to a new role on the team, as he is reluctant to learn first base following the injury that led to him losing his third base position to Alex Bregman.

• Devers' preference to continue as a designated hitter rather than adjusting to a new field position is causing additional problems for the Red Sox, who are already dealing with multiple internal conflicts.

• Ceddanne Rafaela, an outfielder, has been explicitly instructed by the coaching staff to take the first pitch during his at-bats, but he persistently swings freely, disregarding the tactical advice given to him.

• Rafaela's behavior in the regular season, which contrasts with the selective batting approach he demonstrated during spring training, is causing frustration among the Red Sox management.

• The 24-year-old Rafaela, while valuable for his defensive skills and speed, risks losing favor if he continues to ignore coaching directions, thereby complicating team dynamics further.

• The Boston Red Sox are already dealing with enough internal issues.

• They've got superstar Rafael Devers essentially refusing to learn how to play first base amid injury problems. Devers would rather stick at DH after his third base job was usurped by Alex Bregman.

• But sadly for the Red Sox, that isn't the only issue.

• Local columnist Sean McAdam revealed another wild disobedience happening in Boston.

• Here's what McAdam wrote in his newest column:

• "There’s some growing frustration within the Red Sox organization about outfielder Ceddanne Rafaela. More than once, Rafaela has been advised in the dugout to take the first pitch in his next at-bat, only to swing freely minutes later. Rafaela showed in spring training that he could be more selective at the plate, but that discipline has mostly disappeared in the regular season."

• Something about guys with 'Rafael' somewhere in their name apparently isn't vibing with Boston.

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• In all seriousness, this is pretty crazy.

• Rafaela just deciding to swing at the first pitch on times he has been told not to sounds like a great way to get benched.

• The 24-year old has rebounded from an ice-cold start to get up to .246 in batting average on the season, the same average he finished with in 2024.

• Rafaela is a useful player due mostly to his defensive versatility and speed.

• But if he can't follow instructions? That won't endear him to anyone.

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