SAN FRANCISCO – Rafael Devers, daily, is taking extra work to improve his defense at first base and get more comfortable at the position.
If the three-time MLB All-Star can get that to match his comfort level at the plate, there’s no limit on what the veteran slugger can do.
One day after making a pair of spectacular defensive plays, Devers went deep for a second consecutive day when he connected for a home run leading off the sixth inning.
It was the seventh time Devers has gone deep in 45 games in a Giants uniform, showing why president of baseball operations Buster Posey targeted him just before the trade deadline.
“I think it’s just him being Devers at this point,” Giants manager Bob Melvin said in the aftermath of Saturday’s 4-2 loss to the Washington Nationals at Oracle Park. “He’s just a really good hitter who knows what his strengths are.”
That was the scouting report on Devers before joining San Francisco: A well-accomplished slugger with a career .277 batting average who has clubbed 10 or more home runs in each of his 10 MLB seasons.
Things didn’t start well for Devers with his new team on the West Coast. He had some inconsistencies at the plate and in the field, leading some to question the trade with Boston.
A lot of that noise has been muted lately.
Devers is playing a lot more effectively at first base and is currently one of the hottest hitters in Melvin’s lineup.
After ending July in a 0-for-14 funk, Devers has found a nice rhythm at the plate. In eight games this month, he has gone 9-for-28 (.321) with three home runs, eight walks and seven RBIs.
In the 45 games since his acquisition from the Red Sox, Devers has 22 RBIs.
“Just basically doing the same thing that I’ve done all year, just making sure that I take advantage of all my at-bats,” Devers said through interpreter Erwin Higueros. “I don’t think that it’s necessary for me to change anything. I’m just being the type of player that I am. Things are beginning to work out for me.”
That includes playing first base, one of the issues that led to his exit from Boston. He was reluctant to play a position he had never played before at the big league level.
Devers faced early criticism from the media and Giants fans but has quieted that chatter with some smooth fielding. That included a heads-up play Friday when the Nationals loaded the bases and hit a grounder to first that Devers snagged and wisely threw home to get the out.
“Every single day, I’m always making sure that I work at first and make sure that I’m ready for everything that’s going to be thrown my way,” said Devers, who had two hits and two walks as the Giants’ designated hitter on Saturday.
It’s worth noting that Devers’ comfort level on defense has coincided with his output at the plate. It makes sense that less stress and concerns in one area would translate into success in other areas.
Devers isn’t sure if that’s what’s happening but acknowledged that playing in the field keeps him more engaged.
“I really don’t know if that’s something that’s working out. I just know that when I play first base, I’m more involved in the game,” Devers said. “You’re thinking about different aspects of the game, not just thinking about your next at-bat.”
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