- First MLB player to record 10 strikeouts in a season's first three games
- 0 hits in 12 at-bats with only one bases-loaded walk
- Broke 123-year-old record previously shared by five players
- Full-time DH transition follows Alex Bregman's acquisition as third baseman
The 2024 MLB season opened with an unprecedented slump for Boston Red Sox star Rafael Devers. The 27-year-old designated hitter became the first player in modern baseball history to strike out 10 times across his team's first three games. This alarming trend culminated in Saturday night's 4-3 loss to Texas, where Devers failed to connect with a critical ninth-inning cutter from Rangers closer Chris Martin.
Historical data reveals the magnitude of this achievement. Since 1901, only five players had reached nine strikeouts in their first three games, with Oakland's Brent Rooker most recently matching that total in 2023. SportRadar analysts confirm Devers now stands alone in the record books, his 10 whiffs surpassing a century-old benchmark shared by legends like Philadelphia's Greg Luzinski (1974) and Cincinnati's Wally Post (1956).
Industry experts point to multiple factors in Devers' struggles. The average fastball velocity has increased 3.2 mph since 2010, with pitchers now throwing 95+ mph heat on 18% of pitches. Early-season timing issues become magnified against today's power arms,notes MLB Network analyst Dan Plesac. When you combine that with the pressure of a new DH role, even elite hitters like Devers need adjustment time.
A regional comparison shows the AL East's unforgiving nature. Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge struck out eight times in his first three 2023 games before winning the batting title. However, Boston's reliance on Devers' bat intensifies scrutiny - he accounted for 28% of the team's RBIs last season. The Red Sox's decision to move Devers to DH full-time after acquiring Alex Bregman now faces early criticism from local media.
Advanced metrics suggest potential rebound signs. Despite the 0-for-12 start, Devers' swing-and-miss rate (22%) remains below his 2023 average. His 91.4 mph average exit velocity on contacted balls aligns with career norms. This is more about pitch selection than ability,says Red Sox hitting coach Pete Fatse. When Raffy starts laying off high cutters, the hits will come.
Historical precedents offer Boston hope. Detroit's Miguel Cabrera began 2014 with 11 strikeouts in four games before winning the AL batting title. The Red Sox organization emphasizes patience, with manager Alex Cora stating: We're three games into a 162-game marathon. Rafael's track record speaks for itself.Fans will watch closely as Devers faces Baltimore's dominant rotation next, a series that could define Boston's April trajectory.