Giants First Baseman Objects to Pinch-Run Substitution in Ninth Inning

Rafael Devers refused to leave first base when the Giants attempted to replace him with a pinch runner in the ninth inning of a 2-1 loss. Devers waved his index finger and tried to send the runner back to the dugout. After a brief protest, he returned to the bench and went straight to the clubhouse without speaking to reporters.

Vitello said the move was made to improve the team’s chances of tying the game. He noted that Devers’ sprint speed ranks slowest on the roster at 26.2 feet per second. Vitello added that he and Devers speak daily and that he saw no need for a separate conversation. “Once we announce the move, the move was made,” Vitello said.

Third baseman Matt Chapman said the substitution was the correct call. He described Devers’ reaction as a heat-of-the-moment response from a player who wants to stay in the game. The Giants have now lost three straight and sit 15 games below .500. Chapman called the recent pattern of momentum followed by setbacks frustrating.

Devers signed a 10-year, $313.5 million extension and played 163 games last season. Vitello compared his competitiveness to that of pitcher Logan Webb, saying he prefers players who must be removed from the field. Devers previously declined to play first base for another organization after an injury to their regular starter.

In the current case, he had no choice but to leave the game after the substitution was announced.