Former Boston Red Sox star Rafael Devers had an unwelcome return to Fenway Park on Friday, but got back at the disapproving crowd by blasting a home run.
Chad Tracy, Boston’s interim manager, said the blast didn’t surprise him at all.
Tracy spoke out on Devers’ return with the San Francisco Giants, which started with overwhelming boos for the team’s former star. Tracy said the solo home run was a familiar sight, sharing some praise for Devers despite the less-than-welcoming greeting from Red Sox fans.
Chad Tracy Not Surprised at Rafael Devers’ Blast
Speaking to reporters after Boston’s 6-4 win, Tracy had a blunt statement for seeing Devers go deep.
“Rafi does what Rafi does,” Tracy said after the game, via MLB.com. “He hit it hard and hit it out.”
It’s been more than a year since the Red Sox shipped Devers to San Francisco for a package of players that are largely gone. As MLB.com noted, the Red Sox received righty Jordan Hicks, lefty Kyle Harrison and prospects James Tibbs III and righty Jose Bello — with only Bello still with the organization.
Devers was unhappy after the Red Sox signed Alex Bregman, who took over his spot at third base and pushed Devers to designated hitter. Devers then refused to play second base when Tristan Casas suffered a season-ending injury in May, paving the way for his eventual trade in June.
Speaking to reporters before the game — and before he was met with overwhelming boos from the crowd — Devers said he remembered the fans fondly.
“I’m very happy to be back,” Devers said. “The fans were good to me.
Devers added before the game that he couldn’t be too worried about how he would be received.
“I knew this day was going to come … but it’s just move on and enjoy the moment,” he said.
The reaction wasn’t all negative. After initially booing Devers, the Red Sox fans cheered when a highlight video was shown between the first and second innings, and Devers responded by applauding and waving to fans.
Red Sox Get the Last Laugh in Rafael Devers’ Return
Despite his strong individual performance in the return to Fenway Park, Devers wasn’t able to will his team to a victory. The Red Sox moved back to 10 games over .500 with the 6-4 win, thanks largely to a three-run homer from Willson Contreras.
Contreras crushed a 450-foot shot against Giants starter Logan Webb, putting the Red Sox up 3-1 in the third inning. The Red Sox would score five runs that inning as Webb struggled, walking Andruw Monasterio with the bases loaded and then hitting Mickey Gasper to allow another run.
Boston Red Sox Manager Shares Blunt Statement on Rafael Devers