Alex Cora explained why Rafael Devers said no to the Home Run Derby

Rafael Devers watches a home run in a Red Sox-Royals game on July 1, 2021. Boston Globe staff photo by John Tlumack The Red Sox begin a three-game series against the Phillies at Fenway Park this evening at 7:10 p.m. It’s the final set of games for Boston before the Major League All-Star break.

Elsewhere, the Suns defeated the Bucks 118-108 to take a 2-0 lead in the NBA Finals on Thursday night. Game 3 will tip off at 8 p.m. ET on Sunday.

Alex Cora on the Home Run Derby: The 2021 Home Run Derby will get underway on July 12 at Coors Field in Colorado. The setting ensures that it should be an exciting contest (given the altitude), but the lineup of hitters is also impressive (highlighted by…