Rafael Devers will face his former team less than a week after being traded, as the Boston Red Sox visit the San Francisco Giants for the first game of a three-match set on Friday night. This game marks a significant moment in the baseball season, highlighting the ongoing impact of the Rafael Devers trade on Red Sox Giants dynamics. Both teams have yet to face each other on the field this season, making this meeting particularly noteworthy.
Starting Pitchers Set to Make Their Marks in a Rare Early-Season Matchup
On the mound, right-handers Hunter Dobbins (Red Sox) and Hayden Birdsong (Giants) will start for their respective teams, both yet to face one another’s lineup. Hunter Dobbins comes into this game with a 4-1 record and a 3.74 ERA, while Birdsong holds a 3-1 record and a 2.79 ERA. Their performances will be crucial as both sides seek momentum going into the weekend series. Notably, these two teams’ only prior connection this season has been over phone communications, emphasizing the novelty of the in-person encounter.
Trade Details and Devers’ Role Change Spark Discussion
The trade that sent Devers to the Giants on Sunday stunned many, following his resistance to playing designated hitter or first base for the Red Sox, expressing a strong preference to remain at third base. In exchange, Boston acquired multiple players, including pitchers Kyle Harrison and Jordan Hicks, hoping to bolster their pitching staff.
Since joining the Giants, Devers has accepted a role primarily as a designated hitter. His first three games with San Francisco included three hits but no home runs and a single RBI. Giants manager Bob Melvin has noted that his team is working to prepare Devers to play first base, a position Devers initially opposed playing with Boston.
Giants Planning to Adjust Lineup to Maximize Devers and Wilmer Flores
Manager Bob Melvin shared his strategy for integrating Devers and outfielder Wilmer Flores, a former designated hitter who recently made a significant contribution. Melvin stated,
“We’re going to try to get them both in (the lineup),”
highlighting the plan to alternate roles for each player depending on readiness and matchups.
Melvin elaborated on this approach:
“Once we get Raffy to play first base, then we get Flo back in the DH spot,”
and added,
“Until we get Raffy up to speed, we get (Flores) to come off the bench in those types of situations (like Thursday’s), which is really valuable.”
Flores recently delivered a game-winning two-run double during a pivotal seventh-inning at-bat against the Cleveland Guardians, adding to the Giants’ offensive options during tight games.
Red Sox Maintain Momentum Amid Devers’ Absence
While the Giants recently dropped two of three games to the Guardians, the Red Sox traveled west without Devers and secured two wins out of three against the Seattle Mariners. This success came just after Boston’s dominant three-game sweep of the New York Yankees. Trevor Story, Boston’s shortstop, emphasized the importance of these results after the trade. He stated,
“(This is) kind of a pivotal point in our season. It could go one way or the other, and still a lot of baseball to be played. We felt like we responded well after something so big and kind of shocking.”
Young Red Sox players Roman Anthony and Marcelo Mayer also made their marks in the Seattle series, both recording home runs. Neither has played at San Francisco’s Oracle Park previously, adding an extra layer of challenge ahead of the series against the Giants.
Pitching Matchups and Key Players to Watch in the Series
Hunter Dobbins, tasked with facing Devers and the Giants lineup, has been impressive in recent outings. He has won his past two starts, including victories against the New York Yankees, pitching 11 innings combined while allowing just six hits and three runs. Notably, Devers himself hit a home run against Dobbins during the June 8 game at Yankee Stadium.
On the Giants’ side, Hayden Birdsong steps up with increased responsibility following the departure of Kyle Harrison. Birdsong has performed consistently, never surrendering more than three runs in any of his five starts since mid-May, offering stability to the Giants’ pitching rotation.
Looking Ahead: The Importance of Devers’ Return and Its Impact on Both Teams
Friday’s game holds significant implications for the Rafael Devers trade impact on Red Sox Giants relations as Devers faces his old team for the first time since being moved. The matchup will test how well Devers adapts to his new role in San Francisco and whether he can contribute offensively against the team with which he previously clashed over positional assignments.
For the Red Sox, maintaining their recent winning streak without their former star will be essential, especially as younger players begin to fill the gap. Meanwhile, the Giants aim to leverage Devers’ bat and developing defense to strengthen their lineup and remain competitive in the National League.