Watch: Rafael Devers may be breaking out of slump vs. Guardians

Boston Red Sox designated hitter Rafael Devers. Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Watch: Red Sox's Rafael Devers may be breaking out of slump vs. Guardians

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Apr 27, 2025 4:29 PM ET

One word has seemingly defined Rafael Devers' season thus far: downturn.

Through his first 29 games this season, the Boston Red Sox designated hitter posted career lows in batting average (.210) and OPS (.723). The three-time All-Star has also struck out 36 times.

However, in Boston's road game against the Cleveland Guardians on Sunday, Devers showed he could soon snap out of his slump.

During the top of the sixth inning, he crushed an 82 mph slider from Cleveland relief pitcher Jakob Junis into right field for a 361-foot home run, giving Boston a 9-0 lead. Entering Sunday's matchup, Devers had just three homers.

Rafael Devers clubs a homer and it's all @RedSox in Cleveland pic.twitter.com/34VbfPkzJR
— MLB (@MLB) April 27, 2025

A position change has possibly contributed to Devers' struggles. He moved from third base to DH after Boston signed 2024 Gold Glove winner Alex Bregman in free agency.

Hall of Famer Edgar Martinez made the same transition in 1995. The former Seattle Mariners star noted it's a difficult change, but it's one that Devers can make.

"He's very talented, a great hitter. He can go the other way with a lot of power," Martinez told The Boston Globe's Peter Abraham in a story published Saturday. "He'll make the adjustment."

Devers' home run against Cleveland could signal he's finally adjusting to his new position.

Clark Dalton

Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

More must-reads: