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The San Francisco Giants tried to put together a run in the top of the ninth inning against the Miami Marlins on Sunday when Rafael Devers reached first base on a walk.
Giants manager Tony Vitello was pinch-running for Devers, hoping to speed up the bases to tie the game. Jonah Cox ran toward first as Devers tried to push him away. Devers pleaded from first base to stay in the game while Cox was caught in the middle of the ordeal.
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San Francisco Giants’ Rafael Devers is congratulated in the dugout after hitting a solo home run during the sixth inning against the Miami Marlins in Miami on June 19, 2026. (Lynne Sladky/Associated Press)
Devers went back to the dugout in a huff.
Jung Hoo Lee, the next Giants hitter, flied out, and then Willy Adames grounded into a double play. The Marlins secured the 2-1 win.
Vitello seemed to understand Devers’ reasoning for wanting to stay in the game, but also knew Devers was battling some leg soreness. He said once he made the decision to bring Cox into the game, there was no going 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, just go with it, our best bet is to win the game,” the first-year MLB manager said, via MLB.com. “Obviously you want Jonah to take it back, you know, he’s relatively quick at the plate, but on a double with our best chance to score.”
Vitello said he didn’t think the situation warranted another conversation with Devers outside of their daily chats.
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 willing to part ways with him before this year’s trade deadline.
Multiple reports indicated last week that the Giants were exploring the possibility of a fire sale that made Devers, Adames and Matt Chapman available.
San Francisco Giants’ Rafael Devers looks after hitting a solo home run during 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 home runs and a majors-leading 23 doubles.
