Rafael Devers started at first base for the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday night, marking his debut at the position he refused to play for the Boston Red Sox before his June trade.
The slugger handled his defensive duties cleanly in a 9-0 victory over the Atlanta Braves, going 2-for-5 with an RBI. Devers caught a routine throw from second baseman Casey Schmitt for his first putout and played error-free throughout the contest.
Boston traded Devers to San Francisco in June after his relationship with management deteriorated during his 10-year, $313.5 million contract. The Red Sox had asked him to move to first base when Triston Casas suffered a season-ending injury, but Devers declined the request.
After the trade, Devers began working out at first base and expressed willingness to play the position once comfortable. He explained his change of heart by saying he felt he had \"earned some respect\" in Boston and would have agreed if asked at the beginning of spring training.
\"I felt I had \'earned some respect\' because of my production in Boston, adding that I would have made the switch if the Red Sox had asked at the beginning of spring training,\" Devers said.
Devers has struggled offensively since joining San Francisco, batting .219 with two homers and 10 RBIs in 29 games. He hit .272 with 15 homers and 58 RBIs in 73 games for Boston this season.
The three-time All-Star was acquired to bolster a Giants offense ranked 23rd in runs per game. San Francisco ended a six-game losing streak with Tuesday\'s victory and moved within 2.5 games of a wild-card playoff spot.
Boston had signed Gold Glove third baseman Alex Bregman during spring training, prompting their request for Devers to change positions.
Via ESPN