Giants' Rafael Devers breaks silence on pinch-run drama

San Francisco Giants first baseman Rafael Devers. Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Giants' Rafael Devers breaks silence on pinch-run drama against Marlins

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Jun 23, 2026 9:16 PM ET

San Francisco Giants first baseman Rafael Devers claims media members and fans are overreacting to his pinch-run incident in a 2-1 loss to the Miami Marlins on Sunday.

During the ninth inning of the contest, Devers initially refused to let rookie center fielder Jonah Cox pinch-run for him, waving his finger at the dugout and manager Tony Vitello. He then stomped off the field after exiting the game.

Devers expanded on the interaction during a Tuesday news conference before San Francisco's home game against the Athletics.

Rafael Devers speaks on pinch-run ordeal

"It was a misunderstanding," Devers said through a translator. "Two days prior to that, I told the manager that I had a problem with my hamstring, and I thought that was the reason he was taking me out of the game ... it just got a little blown out of proportion."

Devers added he apologized to Vitello's after Sunday's game, "which was the right thing to do."

Rafael Devers on waving off his pinch runner in Miami:

"It was a misunderstanding. Two days prior to that I had told the manager that I had a problem with my hamstring and I thought that was the reason he was taking me out of the game ... it just got a little bit blown out of… pic.twitter.com/9ht03WUznl
— KNBR (@KNBR) June 23, 2026

Devers apologizing to Vitello was professional, but it doesn't change that Sunday's incident was a negative look for the Giants. It suggests the rookie manager may already be at risk of losing the clubhouse after San Francisco went 31-46 in its first 77 games.

It also may confirm more narratives about Devers being uncoachable. The infielder is still aiming to salvage his reputation in San Francisco after opposing switching from third base to designated hitter with the Boston Red Sox during the 2025 season, which is one reason the American League East team traded him to the Giants last season.

Disappointing numbers further tarnish his image. Entering Tuesday night, Devers was slashing .238/.302/.433. He had also hit 11 homers and 36 RBI but struck out 97 times.

Devers owning up to his mistake is a positive step, but his work is far from done. The infielder must remind the team why he's a three-time All-Star, or he could be packing his bags before or during the trade deadline on Aug. 3 at 6 p.m. ET.

Devers may insist Sunday's episode was just a misunderstanding, but it's one too many for the beleaguered infielder.

Clark Dalton

Clark Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

More must-reads: