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Giants Lose 2-1, Vitello’s Pinch-Runner Blunder

6/22/2026

37 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Devers Rejects Runner

June 21, 2026, the Giants lost 2-1 to the Marlins, extending their losing streak to three.
Manager Tony Vitello tried to replace slugger Rafael Devers with pinch runner Jonah Cox in the ninth inning.
Rafael Devers waved off the pinch runner, gestured at Tony Vitello, and was forced out by umpire.
The loss dropped the Giants to a 31-46 record, ahead of the Colorado Rockies for the NL's worst record.

Summary

Devers Trade Block

Rafael Devers is on the trade block despite a $211 million contract through 2033, with $52.5 million deferred.
The Giants are reportedly ready to move their highest-paid players in a full rebuild.
Devers’ past resistance to position changes with the Red Sox is cited in trade talks.
Manager Tony Vitello says he talks daily with Devers and urges performance improvement.
The front office is weighing roster overhauls before the deadline.

Summary

Webb Complete Game

Logan Webb threw a complete game, allowing five hits and two runs in the Giants' 2-1 loss.
Tony Vitello became the first manager hired directly from Tennessee's college program to a major-league bench.
Jonah Cox, a Double-A call-up, entered the ninth as the Giants’ pinch-runner before Devers objected.
After the loss the Giants sit fourth in the NL West, trailing the division leader by several games.

History

Historical Context

In 2002, general manager Billy Beane guided the Oakland Athletics to a 103-59 season on a $41 million payroll, about 20 % below the league average, and a 20-game winning streak that showcased the Moneyball sabermetric model. That low-budget blueprint has become a reference point as the San Francisco Giants confront a costly 2026 rebuild, illustrating the enduring debate over spending versus analytics in baseball.

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Devers Rejects Runner

June 21, 2026, the Giants lost 2-1 to the Marlins, extending their losing streak to three.
Manager Tony Vitello tried to replace slugger Rafael Devers with pinch runner Jonah Cox in the ninth inning.
Rafael Devers waved off the pinch runner, gestured at Tony Vitello, and was forced out by umpire.
The loss dropped the Giants to a 31-46 record, ahead of the Colorado Rockies for the NL's worst record.

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