Rafael Devers brushed off first-base workouts with Giants great

Perhaps Rafael Devers isn’t trying to gain favor with the San Francisco Giants.

During his first press conference with the Giants last month, the former Red Sox slugger made all the correct statements about maybe playing first base for his new team.

They are the male leaders. Regarding a potential move back to the infield, Devers told San Francisco’s top brass, “I am here to play wherever they want me to play.” I’ll do my best for them.

Devers’ remarks were a significant shift from his position in his last months with Boston, when the former third baseman turned DH refused to switch to first base (and later criticized management) following Triston Casas’ season-ending injury.

However, Devers appears to be taking a similar path in the Bay Area after choosing not to return to the infield for Boston this spring and angering Red Sox legend David Ortiz by failing to reply to his messages.

Red Sox radio host Will Flemming told a story on Monday’s WEEI’s Afternoons radio show about how Devers ignored Giants great Will Clark for three days in a row after Clark volunteered to help Devers get used to first base.

Flemming stated of Devers, “He’s going to hit home runs, of course he is.” What will happen to the gamer is yet unknown to them. Raffy didn’t show up on the second day, and Will Clark was there to practice ground balls with him at first base. These people have been interacting with that individual for a considerable amount of time.

Last Monday, during an appearance on the No Filter Network, Clark affirmed Fleming’s account regarding Devers.

He didn’t leave early on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. Not at all, period. According to Clark, he didn’t even hit on the field. Oh my God, I’m so sorry, Will, everyone says. I’m so sorry.

Clark stated that he could see why Devers didn’t want to be seen working out on the field during his first few days with the Giants, especially with Boston in town, despite the optics of him skipping the exercises.

Clark remarked, “I know what the [expletive] happened.” He’s working with me at first base now, but I told him he didn’t want to go out and be 20 feet in front of their crazy dugout after what happened in Boston. All of that [crap] in the media was something he didn’t want to have to endure. I therefore fully comprehend.

Since joining the Giants, who also assumed the remaining portion of the slugger’s 10-year, $313.5 million contract that he originally signed with Boston in January 2023, Devers has not played infield.

Devers has batted in 20 games since joining the Giants.240 with 28 strikeouts in 75 at-bats, two home runs, and nine RBI.

Despite initially giving Devers the benefit of the doubt, Clark, who finished in the top five in the NL MVP voting four times during his eight-season tenure with the Giants (1986–93), stated that he would reconsider his stance the next time he visits San Francisco.

“Just wanted to let you know that your (expletive) will be on the field at first base the next time I’m in San Francisco, Rafael Devers,” Clark stated. You will be at first base even if I have to go grab you by the [expletive] back of the neck and drag your ass out there.

Since 2023, Conor Ryan has worked as a staff writer for Boston.com, covering the Boston Bruins, Celtics, Patriots, and Red Sox.