Will Rafael Devers play First Base Vs. Red Sox? Giants Manager Provides Clarity

Boston Red Sox fans are in for a strange sight on Friday when the team begins a three-game weekend series against the San Francisco Giants and Rafael Devers.

It certainly didn’t take long for the Red Sox to catch a glimpse of its former franchise cornerstone. The deal, which was completed on Sunday, sent Devers to the Giants in exchange for Jordan Hicks, Kyle Harrison, James Tibbs III, and Jose Bello.

While Devers is expected to play in the series, according to his manager Bob Melvin, one position on the diamond he won’t be playing this weekend is first base.

“Yeah that’s not gonna happen this weekend, we haven’t gotten there,” said Melvin per KNBR. “It’s going to take a little bit more time than having him at first base during the Red Sox series.”

While Devers won’t be making an appearance at first base this weekend, it remains possible he’ll find his way over to the position once the Giants’ coaching staff feels comfortable with his progress during pre-game fielding drills.

In three games since joining San Francisco, Devers is batting .273 with three hits and one RBI in 11 at-bats. He’s yet to appear in the field with the Giants, earning a start at designated hitter in all three games since arriving with the team earlier this week.

On the mound, Hunter Dobbins (4-1) will oppose Hayden Birdsong (3-1) in the series opener. Dobbins is coming off two consecutive wins against the New York Yankees and has been one of the Red Sox’s most consistent starting pitchers since making his big league debut earlier this season.