Former Red Sox Star Rafael Devers Playing First Base For Giants

Rafael Devers found his glove. Actually, he likely got a new glove to fit his new position.

For the first time this season, the former Boston Red Sox and current San Francisco Giants designated hitter is taking the field. He’ll be making his debut at first base and hitting third for the Giants.

Devers, of course, was unwilling to play first base for the Red Sox after Triston Casas went down with an injury. His role on the team played a large part in spurring the trade to San Francisco.

As soon as he arrived in the Bay Area, Devers vowed to do whatever he could to help his new team win, including playing first base. He joined the Giants in early June and has worked at the position ever since, with some delays due to injury.

The decision to be a team player appears to be a wise one, as he hasn’t been contributing offensively. Devers is hitting .219 with two home runs in 29 games since joining the Giants. He hasn’t hit a home run since June 26.

Devers has three hits in his last four games, all singles. He has four extra-base hits in the entirety of July. He’s striking out 31% of the time with the Giants, well above his mark with Boston. The lefty struck out in 27.2% of his plate appearances over the first month with the Red Sox, but found his timing and lowered his rate to 22.8% by the time he was traded.

It remains to be seen how well he performs at first base. If he can’t succeed there, the Giants will have no choice but to leave him at designated hitter due to third baseman Matt Chapman’s defensive prowess.