SF Giants lay out defensive plan for star acquisition Rafael Devers

The SF Giants wasted no time in laying out the defensive plan for Rafael Devers. During his introductory press conference, Bob Melvin confirmed that the Giants would use him at DH while working with him to learn first base.

SF Giants lay out defensive plan for star acquisition Rafael Devers

Devers came up as a third baseman, but defensive positioning has become a topic this season. The Boston Red Sox moved Devers off that position after adding veteran third baseman Alex Bregman late in the offseason. This move and the ensuing change caught Devers by surprise.

Devers was reportedly frustrated with a breakdown in communication between him and the Red Sox front office. The Red Sox wanted him to shift to DH, but asked him to move to first base when Tristan Casas went down with a season-ending knee injury. That request was not received well by Devers, who did not have experience at the position.

As soon as the Devers trade was announced, the question shifted to what position he would play with San Francisco. The Giants quickly alleviated those concerns with Bob Melvin wanting Devers to focus on DH and first base.

Of course, there is playing time available at third base right now with Matt Chapman out with an injury. However, Melvin did not mention third base as an option. This is likely due to Devers not appearing at the position at all this season. Perhaps, Melvin does not feel it is wise to use him out there without the proper ramp up that tends to take place in spring training.

The Giants manager did indicate that Matt Williams and Mark Hallberg would be among the coaches working with Devers at first base.

For the time being, Casey Schmitt will continue seeing playing time at third base until Chapman returns. Devers will likely slot into the primary DH role, and could begin to see time at first base once he gets comfortable.

Devers is not the only player in the organization still learning the organization. Bryce Eldridge continues to get work at first base with the Sacramento River Cats. Buster Posey indicated that his development plan has not changed due to the trade.