SAN FRANCISCO – In his second game with the San Francisco Giants, Rafael Devers made a statement, hitting his first home run in his new uniform against his former team, the Boston Red Sox.
After a tough 0-for-5 outing the day before, Devers launched a two-run home run off his good friend and former teammate Brayan Bello in the bottom of the third inning, helping the Giants to a 3-2 win.
Devers’ Special Moment
The home run came on a 0-1 fastball, which Devers sent soaring to straightaway left field, extending the Giants’ lead to 3-0. Despite the significance of the moment, Devers kept his composure, downplaying the homer as just another part of the game.
“Nothing more special than any other home run that I’ve hit,” Devers said. “I’m just happy I could contribute to the team’s win.”
He also reflected on his friendly but competitive relationship with Bello. “He’s my brother out there. But we know once we cross that line, we’re competing with each other, and whoever wins, wins,” Devers said through an interpreter.
The Context Behind the Homer
Devers’ first home run as a Giant came just a week after a surprising trade from the Red Sox, following a tumultuous end to his time in Boston. His departure was marked by some controversy, notably his reluctance to play first base when Triston Casas got injured and his frustration with being moved off third base after the Red Sox signed Alex Bregman during spring training.
Despite these frustrations, Devers has been focusing on moving forward and putting his time in Boston behind him. In a previous media session, Devers admitted he felt he deserved more respect from the Red Sox after putting up solid numbers for the team.
“I put up some good numbers in Boston, and I feel like I earned some respect,” Devers said, adding, “If they would have asked me at the beginning of spring training, yes, I would have played [first].”
Devers’ Adjustment to Oracle Park
The 28-year-old has quickly adjusted to his new team and is already showing his potential. Saturday’s blast was a no-doubter, contrasting with the near-miss the day before. His ability to hit to the opposite field could prove beneficial in Oracle Park, known for its spacious dimensions.
Giants manager Bob Melvin acknowledged this, noting that Devers’ swing is well-suited to the park.
The Emotional Impact
Giants pitcher Landen Roupp observed that the home run seemed to lift a weight off Devers’ shoulders. “As soon as he hit it, it almost looked like a weight fell off his shoulders,” Roupp said. “We expect many more from him in that area. He’s going to be a huge help.”
After hitting the homer, Devers received several ovations from the crowd, though there was no interaction with his former teammates as he rounded the bases. “I did not hear anything,” Devers said with a smile. “I was just running the bases and making sure I touched home and get to the dugout.”
Enjoying the Moment
While the homer was a key highlight of the game, Devers expressed his appreciation for the San Francisco fans and the new chapter in his career. “There are beautiful fans here in San Francisco, and I’m just enjoying the moment right now.”
