Rookie Devers impressive in first week

Baseball is not supposed to be as easy as Rafael Devers is making it look.

In his first week in the big leagues, Devers has made an immediate impact, enough to make everyone around him forget that he's only 20 years old, making him the youngest player in the majors.

Devers has reached base safely in each of his first six games, with a total of 10 hits. He's had three multi-hit games, including a four-hit night Monday in the Red Sox' 6-2 win over Cleveland.

In six games to date, Devers has posted a .417/.481/.750 slash line with two homers and four RBI. Far from appearing overwhelmed, the rookie has shown he belongs.

"It's extremely rare,'' said John Farrell of the composure shown by Devers. "But so is being in the big leagues at 20. He's a unique talent.''

Can baseball really this be simple?

"No, no way,'' said Devers with a shy smile. "Baseball's not easy.''

Undoubtedly, there will be struggles eventually as pitchers ferret out his weaknesses and Devers has to respond in kind by making adjustments. But for now, Devers is defying convention by displaying a remarkable maturity to go along with his aptitude.

In arriving after a quick stopover at Triple A, Devers has essentially filled the role of a trade deadline acquisition, regardless of his relative inexperience.

While some young hitters can get pull-happy, Devers has been content to spray the ball around, driving it up the middle or hitting it to the opposite field. His first two homers have been hit to straightaway center and left. Devers modestly suggested that luck may have factored into his early success.

"I'm just focused on making contact,'' said Devers. "Sometimes out there, I'll close my eyes and make contact and wherever it goes, that's where it goes.''

He was impressive enough in his first handful of games to warrant being boosted from the eighth or ninth spot in the order to sixth on Monday night.

"His 25 or so at-bats that he's had for us have been impressive,'' said Farrell. "He's been balanced, he's been under control, he's shown power, and he's shown good plate discipline. You look at the calmness in the box. (He's demonstrated) very good plate coverage and the game does not speed up on him while he's in the box.''

Defensively, Devers has been smoother than anticipated. On Sunday, he started two 5-4-3 double-plays and also took away a base hit with a diving stop to his left.

"What's stood out is his first-step quickness on defense,'' said Farrell. "That has been better than anticipated or advertised. With the exception of a throw that ends up sinking on him the other night, he's been very good at third base. He's started the front end of multiple double plays, ranged far to his glove side. He's done a very good job all the way around.''