Rafael Devers may be forced to play position other than first base for SF Giants

The SF Giants are having a rough time keeping infielders healthy right now. Christian Koss just went on the IL which could force Rafael Devers to have to play third base for the team according to president of baseball operations Buster Posey.

Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reported this on social media. Koss was placed on the IL and the team recalled outfielder Luis Matos from Triple-A. Last night, Wilmer Flores had to play third base which is not ideal given his injury history and lack of mobility at this stage of his career.

SF Giants may have to use Rafael Devers at third base after all

Flores is basically the fourth option on the depth chart at third base right now. Matt Chapman has been out for a little bit with a hand injury, Casey Schmitt got hit by a pitch in the wrist and just went on the IL, and now Koss injured his hamstring. That is how you end up with Flores, a guy who should really only be serving as a designated hitter or first baseman, as your third baseman.

San Francisco has other options who could play third base like Brett Wisely or Tyler Fitzgerald, but given their offensive limitations the team is having to get as creative as possible to make sure they have their best hitters in the lineup even though pretty much everyone has been struggling as of late.

Devers has yet to play in the field for the Giants since they acquired him via trade. He has not played in the field all season, serving solely as a DH with both the Red Sox and the Giants. Prior to this season, Devers was the everyday third baseman in Boston so he has a wealth of experience there. However, he is still dealing with a groin injury so the Giants probably want to be cautious with him.

It is ironic because the Giants now find themselves in a similar position with Devers to the one that occurred in Boston and resulted in issues. He was asked to play first base in Boston because the team was dealing with injuries there and he publicly refused. Thankfully, he has expressed a willingness to play anywhere he is asked with the Giants so one hopes the same saga does not repeat itself.

In a perfect world, both Devers and Flores would be relegated to first base and DH duties. Yet, with the injuries piling up other guys are going to have to step up. Even if they are somewhat limited defensively, both Flores and Devers do have a lot of experience at the hot corner so let's hope they can still be serviceable defenders there.