Giants' Rafael Devers makes surprising admission on played defense after run as designated hitter with Red Sox


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Rafael Devers had a glove on Tuesday as he made his debut at first base during the San Francisco Giants' second game of a three-game series with the Atlanta Braves.

Playing defense was largely a surprise, considering Devers was adamant about his desire to exclusively handle designated hitter duties when he was with his prior team, the Boston Red Sox. But, Devers' comments after the game were perhaps even more surprising. 

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San Francisco Giants designated hitter Rafael Devers (16) reacts after striking out against the Atlanta Braves during the third inning at Truist Park on July 23, 2025 in Cumberland, Georgia. (Dale Zanine/Imagn Images)

Devers said he actually prefers playing defense over exclusively picking up a bat during MLB games.

"It keeps me active. It keeps my head out of just thinking about the next at-bat," Devers said according to the San Francisco Chronicle. "I’d rather be on the field than in the cage hitting all the time and thinking about the next at-bat."

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Rafael Devers had a tense spring training. During the exhibition period, Red Sox manager Alex Cora and Devers appeared to be at odds about whether he would spend time on the baseball diamond covering third base.

Shortly before Opening Day, Cora confirmed Devers would handle the team's designated hitter duties on a full-time basis. However, when Boston's primary first baseman Triston Casas suffered a serious injury, it prompted