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Giants Make Decision on Rafael Devers as He Monitors Injury

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Toran Flores | Last updated Jul 8, 2025 8:42 PM ET

The San Francisco Giants have been able to stay competitive in the NL West division after trading for Rafael Devers on June 15.

The Boston Red Sox traded Rafael Devers after tensions arose early in the season when the team attempted to move him from third base to first following the late offseason signing of Alex Bregman.

Devers refused to do so, drawing the Red Sox to move on from him and the $257.8 million he's owed over the nine years remaining on his contract.

Now a member of the San Francisco Giants, the position drama looks to still be a problem after just 20 games with his new team.

San Francisco won't be playing the three-time All-Star at the first base position until further notice.

Giants' manager Bob Melvin said that his debut at first base is "probably going to be after the break."

“It’s probably going to be after the break.”

Bob Melvin says that Rafael Devers’ back issue along with a nagging groin has pushed back his first base timeline to post All-Star break. pic.twitter.com/nAkQSR7FrA
— KNBR (@KNBR) July 8, 2025

Devers has been playing as the Giants' designated hitter since joining the team last month.

His production has slowed down since joining the team, having a .240 batting average, .348 on-base percentage, .387 slugging percentage, and a .735 OPS while hitting two home runs and nine RBI.

In his introductory press conference with the San Francisco Giants in June, Devers said he was "here to play wherever they want me to play," but it appears that statement may come with some flexibility.

"I am here to play wherever they want me to play." -Rafael Devers

Manager Bob Melvin says he's going to DH and play first base. Devers has not yet played first base in his career

(via @SFGiants) pic.twitter.com/qAbKh1kRum
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) June 17, 2025

The San Francisco Giants will monitor Rafael Devers back tightness as they finish out the first half of the regular season in series against the Philadelphia Phillies and the Los Angeles Dodgers.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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