“I’m here to play wherever they want me to play,” that’s how Rafael Devers introduced himself to the Giants. His openness to transforming positions now highlights a more flexible version of him. And, it is all unfolding just days before he faces the very team that traded him. As the Giants prepare to host the Red Sox, it is clear there is a bit of simmering beneath the surface. The Sox manager, Alex Cora, knows exactly what is at stake.

Cora did not hold back when asked about what is shaping up to be an emotionally charged matchup of the Red Sox season. Speaking ahead of this weekend’s showdown, the manager fired a clear warning at his own stars.

“He’s going to do everything possible to kick our ass. And we’re going to do everything possible to do the same,” Cora said, referring to Devers. He knows exactly what kind of message Devers will try to send.

According to a post by Boston Strong on X, Devers “wants to sweep the Red Sox this weekend.” Now, that’s a gut punch to the team that raised him. The star who once gave everything to Fenway is now ready to rewrite history in black and orange and no one can forget—the last time the Giants swept the Red Sox in a regular season? You would have to rewind all the way back to 1915. Yup, over a century ago.

That long drought is not the only thing looming. There is unfinished business and baggage baked into every pitch of this upcoming series. Devers, despite delivering a classy farewell message—thanking the Red Sox for signing him at 16 and crediting the team’s fans for their support—is not stepping lightly into this matchup. He is fired up and so are the Red Sox.

With feelings already running high ahead of the Red sox series, Devers’ first outing in the Giants gave fans and critics something to dissect and if his debut was any indicator, Boston better be ready for him.

Devers’ debut was not just sentimental, it was a sign of what was to come

Rafael Devers did not just step into Oracle Park as the newest Giant, he stepped in with high expectations. In front of a hyped-up home crowd, the star soaked in a standing ovation and shook off first-at-bat nerves before getting down to business.

The RBI double in the third against Cleveland Guardians clocked in at 111.4 mph off the bat. That’s elite and while Devers struck out twice, he also managed to extend a rally in the ninth. For someone adapting to a new team and vibe, that is called delivering under pressure.

Post game, he admitted that the pressure was there, “My first at-bat, obviously I was a little bit nervous because of the ovation,” he said through translator Erwin Higueros. “I wasn’t expecting that. You know what? Afterwards, I felt a little bit more comfortable and it was great to see the fans welcoming me that way.”

“It feels weird having a different uniform, but I’ll get used to it,” Devers further remarked. “I already turned the page. Now I’m here and I’m just gonna enjoy the moment.”

Well, with Cora issuing a rallying cry and Devers swinging with purpose, this weekend promises fireworks. Amid all that, one thing is clear: past loyalty will not dim current ambition.

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