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The San Francisco Giants were trying to rally back a run in the top of the ninth inning against the Miami Marlins on Sunday when Rafael Devers reached first on a walk.
Giants manager Tony Vitello was set to make a run for Devers in hopes of adding speed on the bases to tie the game. Jonah Cox ran to first while Devers tried to chase him. Devers pleaded from first base to stay in the game while Cox was caught in the middle.
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Rafael Devers of the San Francisco Giants is congratulated in the dugout after hitting a solo home run in the sixth inning against the Miami Marlins in Miami on June 19, 2026. (Lynne Sladky/Associated Press)
Devers returned to the shelter, upset.
Jung Hoo Lee, the Giants’ next batter, flied out, then Willy Adames grounded into a double play. The Marlins won 2-1.
Vitello seemed to understand Devers’ reasoning for wanting to stay in the game, but also knew Devers was suffering from leg pain. He said once he made the decision to bring Cox into the game, there was no turning back.
San Francisco Giants manager Tony Vitello watches batting practice before a baseball game against the Miami Marlins in Miami on June 19, 2026. (Lynne Sladky/Associated Press)
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“So we’re doing our best to win the game,” the first-year MLB manager said, via MLB.com. “Obviously you’d like Jonah to come pick it up, you know, he’s relatively quick to the plate, but on a double he’s taking advantage of our best chance to be able to score.”
Vitello said he didn’t think the situation warranted another conversation with Devers outside of their daily discussions.
San Francisco fell to 31-46 with the loss. Miami improved to 40-38.
The Giants acquired Devers in a blockbuster trade with the Boston Red Sox last season, but appear ready to part ways with him before this year’s trade deadline.
Multiple reports last week indicated that the Giants were exploring the possibility of a relief trade that would make Devers, Adames and Matt Chapman available.
Rafael Devers of the San Francisco Giants looks on after hitting a solo home run in the sixth inning against the Miami Marlins in Miami on June 19, 2026. (Lynne Sladky/AP)
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Devers is hitting .238 with 11 homers and 23 doubles, leading the majors.
