A large media scrum crowded round Rafael Devers in the guests’ dugout on Friday afternoon forward of his first look at Fenway Park since being traded to the Giants last season.
“Very happy to be back,” Devers stated through an interpreter. “I know the fans were very good to me, so I’m very happy to be back.”
Devers was named an All-Star thrice in his eight-plus years in Boston.
His tenure ended with drama, as he turned notably pissed off with the staff’s resolution to signal third baseman Alex Bregman. The large query now’s how Fenway fans will receive him when he takes the sphere Friday night time.
Devers stated he hadn’t thought of it.
“I don’t know what to expect,” he stated. “This is my first experience. I don’t know if they’re going to cheer, I don’t know what they’re going to do, so I really don’t have an answer.”
If followers had been to boo, it’d possible be due to the way in which Devers’s tenure ended. Devers initially resisted a transfer to full-time designated hitter, and he refused to play first base.
He now performs each positions with the Giants and stated he feels “very comfortable” at first base.
“I want to thank [Giants infield coach Ron Washington] for working with me,” Devers stated. “I had a lot of support here.”
Fourteen months faraway from the commerce, Devers made it clear the previous is in the previous. He stated there was no unhappiness as he entered Fenway Park, and whereas he wouldn’t say there’s added strain, he’s hoping to play effectively.
“Like I said before, I move on, I turn the page,” Devers stated. “I knew that this day was going to come, but I’m mature now and just move on and just enjoy the moment.”
Avery Hill could be reached at avery.hill@globe.com.