Devers Returns to First Base, Boosts Giants' Lineup

0:00On April 5th, Rafael Devers is back in the field at first base for the San Francisco Giants. The 29-year-old power hitter got cleared just in time for Sunday's finale against the Mets at Oracle Park. He'd been stuck as the designated hitter for the team's first nine games, while nursing left hamstring tightness. Earlier this week, Devers looks sharp running the bases during their San Diego series. That hamstring issue had sideline him for two weeks in spring training, but the Giants played it safe until now. A rough defense of night Saturday, with errors piling up in a nine to nothing loss, sped things up. Manager Tony Bitello sounds optimistic, saying Devers feels good and is eager to play the field. With Casey Schmidt out due to back tightness and other struggling at first, like Gerar and Carnaceon's error, they needed stability fast. Devers, a natural third baseman, traded from the Red Sox last June, has been working on first base. He played 28 games their last season and got comfortable by year's end, thanks to his quick feet and strong arm.

1:01This move opens up real line of flexibility for the Giants. They can slide guys like Heliot Ramos or Luis Arias into designated hitter spots, giving bench players more chances as the road trip hits Baltimore, Cincinnati and Washington. MLB news today, powered by AI bringing you what matters on the diamond.