As the New York Yankees regrouped from a rough weekend against Los Angeles, they found a spark in Jazz Chisholm Jr., whose return from injury added more than just production—it added perspective. The infielder, now adjusting to third base, finds himself in the middle of an unexpected debate involving a long-time rival.
That rival is Boston’s Rafael Devers, whose refusal to play the infield after an early-season lineup shift sparked controversy in the Red Sox clubhouse. As the Yankees and Boston Red Sox prepare for their first meeting of the year at Yankee Stadium, the comparison between Chisholm and Devers has become a talking point.
Chisholm, never one to shy away from speaking candidly, addressed the matter during an interview with The Athletic’s Chris Kirschner, defending Devers with clarity and conviction. The issue, he insisted, is more nuanced than outsiders may think.
Different expectations, different promises
While Chisholm has taken on a new defensive challenge this season, he was quick to highlight that his case and Devers’ are not the same. “His situation, it’s completely different than mine,” Chisholm explained.
Rafael Devers #11 of the Boston Red Sox reacts after striking out during the fourth inning of a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Fenway Park on June 04, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images)
He added: “He was promised [designated hitter]. That was promised to him. I believe if you’re promised your position, you should go play the position you were promised. That’s what he worked on his whole career. You can’t go back on it. I don’t have a problem with what he did.”
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Video: Rafael Devers caught taking grounders during Red Sox practice
According to reports, the Red Sox informed Devers during spring training that he would shift into a full-time DH role. The plan, shaped around Alex Bregman taking over at third and Triston Casas anchoring first base, was upended when Casas went down with an injury. The Red Sox then asked Devers to fill in at first—a request he refused, creating division within the team and criticism from fans.
Chisholm’s flexibility in the Bronx
Meanwhile, the Yankees asked Chisholm to play third base despite never having appeared there professionally before arriving in the Bronx last year. When Gleyber Torres declined to make the move himself, Chisholm stepped in. After beginning 2025 at second base, injuries once again shuffled the Yankees’ infield, and Chisholm answered the call to play third.
Spotlight back on Devers
As the Yankees and Red Sox meet under the Friday night lights, Devers remains locked into his designated hitter role. While his bat has remained consistent, questions linger about leadership and adaptability amid a turbulent season for Boston.
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The contrast is stark. Where Chisholm adapted without hesitation, Devers stood his ground based on what he believes was a guarantee made by his club. In Chisholm’s words, it comes down to trust and professional honesty between team and player. For now, both will do their talking with the bat—Devers from the DH spot, and Chisholm from the hot corner.
