Devers opts out of All-Star Game because of nagging shoulder

BOSTON -- The Red Sox held a meeting with third baseman Rafael Devers on Tuesday, at which point a joint decision was made for the star slugger to give up his spot on the American League All-Star team.

Though Devers will continue to play for the Red Sox, he’d like to use the All-Star break as a time to rest a nagging left shoulder issue that he’s been managing since the start of the season.

“Obviously he's been grinding through a few things, especially his left shoulder,” said Red Sox manager Alex Cora. “As a group, we believe that this is a good time for him to get some rest and then take care of it, so he's not going to participate.”

On Sunday, Devers was named a reserve for the American League squad, marking the third All-Star selection of his career.

Outfielder Jarren Duran and ace Tanner Houck are Boston’s other All-Stars.

As for Devers, he is putting up his usual big numbers despite the ailment in the AC joint of his left shoulder and a bone bruise in his left knee that troubled him in April.

Entering Tuesday night, Devers had played 77 of his team’s 89 games this season, slashing .293/.378/.593 with 21 homers and 55 RBIs. He has a 3.2 bWAR.

“It’s a testament to our medical staff,” said Cora. “They do an amazing job with him during the week. I think Raffy has learned how to be efficient with his work and staying healthy. And obviously talking to him, we all believe there's more here [for the 2024 Red Sox]. We're shooting for something bigger than the All-Star Game, and for him to be healthy is the most important thing.

“But as far as the performance, [Devers] understands. He does an outstanding job in the weight room, in the training room, not hitting outside. Not taking grounders when he doesn't need them. He's a very mature player that understands his craft. That's the reason he's been able to post.”