BOSTON — The honors are starting to roll in for Rafael Devers.
This one came from the MLB Players Alumni Association. Devers was named the Red Sox winner of the Heart and Hustle Award, which is voted on by former players. Per a press release, recipients demonstrate "a passion for the game of baseball and best embody the values, spirit and traditions of the game." One winner is named for each team. The overall winner will be revealed on Nov. 7. [...]
BOSTON — The honors are starting to roll in for Rafael Devers.
This one came from the MLB Players Alumni Association. Devers was named the Red Sox winner of the Heart and Hustle Award, which is voted on by former players. Per a press release, recipients demonstrate “a passion for the game of baseball and best embody the values, spirit and traditions of the game.” One winner is named for each team. The overall winner will be revealed on Nov. 7.
“I’m just really happy,” Devers said through translator Bryan Almonte. “Thankful. I want to thank God for having the ability that I do. I’m really happy to be recognized for an award like that.”
Devers is enjoying a breakout campaign at the plate and is improving by leaps and bounds defensively at third base. He’s one of just three players in the big leagues batting .325 or better with at least 15 home runs and 65 RBI — National League Most Valuable Player frontrunners Christian Yelich and Cody Bellinger are the other two. Devers does his daily work with the energy and quick smile you might expect from a 22-year-old.
“I just try to be the best third baseman I can be,” Devers said. “I just try to get my work done and try to keep going out there and help the team the best I can.”
Devers was an international signing from the Dominican Republic in August 2013. Boston paid $1.3 million to secure the services of a raw 16-year-old. He’s been on a superstar track since clubbing 84 hits in his first 70 professional games. His style of play makes it easy to imagine a young Devers as the kid on every Little League team who could never keep his uniform clean.
“Every time that I played I always came back home dirty no matter what,” Devers said. “That’s just part of the game. Even after the games playing in the stadiums we would go out and continue to play and play. That’s pretty much all I did.”
Special prep
Andrew Cashner and Christian Vazquez spent most of Monday night sitting together on the Boston bench.
The right-handed trade acquisition from Baltimore and the catcher worked together for the first time in Tuesday’s meeting with the Blue Jays. It was the 276th career appearance for Cashner and his 183rd start. Vazquez became the 25th catcher to serve as his receiver.
“We talked about his pitches and how we’re going to attack hitters tonight,” Vazquez said. “We’re on the same page.”
Vazquez is 1-for-5 in his career at the plate against his new teammate, and that lone hit was a home run. The Red Sox coaching staff also made sure Vazquez had video on hand to review Cashner’s last few outings.
“He’s in a good spot, a veteran who comes into this situation with a chance to win a ring,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said. “Looking forward to him going out there and doing the same thing — giving us a chance to win.”
Scheduling rehabs
Mitch Moreland (right quadriceps) will play his second rehab game for Triple-A Pawtucket on Wednesday.
Moreland went through another full baseball workout at Fenway Park early Tuesday and is expected to report to McCoy Stadium. The first baseman could have some company, as Nathan Eovaldi (right elbow) is also on course to begin a rehab assignment of his own in the coming days.
“The goal is for (Moreland) to play tomorrow at Triple-A,” Cora said. “With Nathan, weather permitting, we’re working with that to see if it’s tomorrow or Thursday to go on a rehab assignment.”
Brian Johnson (non-baseball medical issue) will also be waiting on Mother Nature to determine when he throws a simulated game. The left-hander is also scheduled for Wednesday or Thursday.
A show of support
Chris Sale had plenty of company while he threw his normal bullpen session on Tuesday.
A host of his Boston teammates and several members of the coaching staff looked on as Sale prepared for his next scheduled start on Thursday. The left-hander has a 7.59 ERA over his last four outings, including Saturday’s 11-2 loss to the Dodgers.
“You don’t see that often, but I think that was good for the team,” Cora said. “They let him know, ‘Hey, we’re here for you.’ ”
Sale was famously given a standing ovation by his teammates when he exited the visiting bullpen prior to closing out Game 5 of the World Series against Los Angeles. The Red Sox are just 6-13 in his starts this season.
bkoch@providencejournal.com
On Twitter: @BillKoch25