Rafael Devers Limited by Hamstring Tightness Early in 2026 The San Francisco Giants are taking a cautious approach with three-time All-Star Rafael Devers as he continues to recover from lingering left hamstring tightness. The team has opted to limit Devers to designated hitter duties for the start of the 2026 season, avoiding potential strain on his injured muscle. Devers, who missed two weeks of Spring Training due to the issue, has not yet played first base since returning to the lineup. Manager Tony Vitello emphasized that while Devers could potentially play the field if needed, the Giants prefer to prioritize his long-term health over short-term contributions. Devers received another start at designated hitter against the Yankees on Friday, allowing Casey Schmitt to occupy first base for the second consecutive game. Vitello noted that the decision to keep Devers out of the infield is a calculated one, balancing the need for immediate performance with the risk of further injury. “If he had to play today, he definitely could,” Vitello said. “But for us, it’s about communicating with the medical staff and making the best move for 162 games.” The manager also mentioned that Devers would continue working with infield coach Ron Washington on ground balls and fielding drills, though the team remains focused on a sustainable plan for the season. Jerar Encarnacion is expected to serve as a backup option at first base while Devers recovers, but Vitello expressed confidence in Schmitt’s defensive readiness for the position. Schmitt, a natural third baseman, has limited experience at first base, having appeared in just 19 Major League games at the position.#san_francisco_giants #tony_vitello #luis_arraez #casey_schmitt #rafael_devers
Rafael Devers is set to begin the 2026 season as the San Francisco Giants' designated hitter, marking his second consecutive game in the role. The move comes after the Giants opted to place him in the DH spot against the New York Yankees on Friday, with Casey Schmitt starting at first base. Devers, who previously played first base during the 2025 season before being traded to San Francisco, is managing a minor hamstring issue, though Giants manager Tony Vitello indicated the team is cautious about rushing him back to the field. The decision to start Devers at DH aligns with his role in the Giants' lineup, where he will bat third. Vitello’s comments, shared via NBC Sports Bay Area’s Alex Pavlovic, highlighted the team’s preference to prioritize his health over immediate defensive flexibility. While Devers could potentially play first base if needed, the Giants have chosen to avoid overexerting him during his recovery. Devers’ defensive positioning has been a topic of discussion in recent seasons. Despite his preference for third base, he accepted a move to DH in 2025 after the Red Sox signed Alex Bregman to occupy the hot corner. During the season, Devers resisted shifting to first base following Triston Casas’ knee injury, a stance that led to a significant trade in June. The Red Sox sent Devers to the Giants in exchange for Kyle Harrison, Jordan Hicks, James Tibbs III, and Jose Bello. Bello remains the only player from that deal still with the Red Sox, though the team’s playoff berth and the arrival of Roman Anthony have somewhat alleviated fan disappointment. Devers’ performance with the Giants has been modest, posting a .236/.347/.460 slash line in 90 games after the trade.#new_york_yankees #san_francisco_giants #tony_vitello #rafael_devers #casey_schmitt
