Perhaps having the power hitter Rafael Devers play first base for the first time in his career was just the change the Giants needed to get back on track.
Today at Truist Park, Devers went 2-for-5 with a double and an RBI single, helping the Giants shut out the Braves 9-0 and end their longest losing streak of the season at six games.
"Playing first base feels quite comfortable," Devers said through translator Erwin Higueros, "I've been practicing for a long time. It's great to be on the field, but winning is the key."
This 28-year-old slugger, who shocked the league by being traded from the Red Sox to the Giants on June 16, had previously publicly refused to play first base, causing a conflict with Boston's management. Devers has primarily played third base during his nine-year career, but after the Red Sox signed Gold Glove third baseman Alex Bregman last winter, Devers, with weaker defense, was forced to step aside.
Devers believes that playing defense can enhance his offensive performance: "Defense helps me stay focused and avoid overthinking my next at-bat. I need to be continuously involved in the game; I'd rather play defense than spend all day in the batting cage."
He admitted that the adjustment process takes time: "I felt a bit anxious and nervous in the first two innings, but then I started to settle in. Fully adapting will take some time, which is normal."
Although no balls were hit directly to first base, Devers still managed to complete four putouts thanks to second baseman Casey Schmitt and shortstop Willy Adames' throws. "That's the norm, but I'm ready," he said. "I can intercept any ball that comes my way to make an out."
Giants manager Bob Melvin pointed out the details: "We still need to shift defensively, study the game plan, operate the pitcher-catcher communication system, and hold runners at first base. While I didn't handle ground balls, I completed several defensive plays—each game is a process of adaptation."
The Giants' lineup scored more than nine runs for the first time since their 9-5 victory over the Red Sox on June 23, with four runs each in the second and seventh innings. Designated hitter Wilmer Flores hit a three-run homer in the seventh to seal the victory. "Flores has been excellent as a designated hitter," Melvin explained, "hitting another home run tonight makes it valuable to give him some rest."
In 29 games since his trade, Devers has only served as a designated hitter, with a batting average of .219, an on-base percentage of .333, and two home runs. He revealed that he is practicing with a custom glove: "This is a special glove ordered the day after arriving in San Francisco."
Despite dealing with a lower back disc injury and groin discomfort, Melvin still believed before the game that he could play defense. Devers stated that the All-Star break was crucial: "The off days are extremely important, not just for me, but for the entire team to recharge."
However, Devers is not yet the regular first baseman. "We'll take it step by step," Melvin planned, "he won't play first base in tomorrow's day game, plus there's a day off. We'll reassess the schedule when we return home—tomorrow he will serve as the designated hitter."