Giants Receive Rafael Devers News After 5 Missed Games

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Mar 6, 2026 4:15 PM ET

The San Francisco Giants are hoping this is the year they finally break through and return to the MLB playoffs after undergoing a major change with Tony Vitello taking over as manager.

Another big plus for San Francisco is that Rafael Devers will be playing in his first full season with the organization. Devers was acquired by the Giants at last year’s trade deadline after spending the first nine seasons of his career with the Boston Red Sox.

He put together an impressive run in Boston as a three‑time All‑Star, World Series champion and two‑time Silver Slugger. When the trade was finalized, San Francisco took on the entirety of Devers’ 10‑year, $313.5 million extension, making him a central piece of the franchise moving forward.

San Francisco Giants infielder Rafael Devers (16)Bob Kupbens-Imagn Images

Devers hoped to use this spring to get into form and fully learn a new position at first base. However, plans changed in late February when he was removed from the lineup due to hamstring tightness.

Last year, Devers dealt with multiple minor injuries with the Giants, including groin and back issues, so this setback was particularly troubling given his goal of entering the season healthy.

Fortunately, an update from Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports on Friday brought encouraging news. Devers is progressing well and could return to the lineup as early as next week, a strong indication that this will not impact his status for Opening Day.

Rafael Devers (hamstring) is doing well and could get back into the lineup early next week. Tony Vitello said the Giants were told that Jung Hoo Lee rolled his ankle during a WBC practice but it’s fine and he won’t miss any games.
— Alex Pavlovic (@PavlovicNBCS) March 6, 2026

The Giants will need Devers at full strength in a loaded National League West. Last year, the 29‑year‑old left‑handed slugger posted a .236 batting average, .347 on‑base percentage, .807 OPS, 20 home runs and 51 RBIs in 90 games for San Francisco.

While those numbers were below his Boston production, he also had to adjust to a new ballclub, a midseason trade and the emotional fallout from leaving the Red Sox. This year, he finally has a full offseason to acclimate, settle into the clubhouse and build continuity with the new coaching staff.

If Devers can stay healthy and return to his All‑Star form, he gives the Giants a legitimate middle‑of‑the‑order anchor, something they will need if they hope to keep pace in one of baseball’s toughest divisions.

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

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