Story perspectives

Devers Waves Off Pinch-Runner, Apologizes; Manager Calls Non-Issue

6/24/2026

Summary

Devers Waves Off

Rafael Devers waved off pinch-runner Jonah Cox in the ninth of the Giants’ 2-1 loss to Miami Marlins on June 21, 2026.
He apologized to manager Tony Vitello, believing the substitution addressed a hamstring issue he had mentioned.
Tony Vitello said they talked on flight back and called it a non-issue, adding that Buster Posey defended Devers as a teammate.
Devers is batting .238 as San Francisco sits 31-46, the NL’s second-worst.

Summary

Vitello Retains

Manager Tony Vitello said he rarely rotates players, keeping veterans despite slumps.
Tyler Mahle’s injury moved pitcher Adrian Houser to the bullpen.
Third-base coach Hector Borg was reassigned while outfielder Patrick Bailey was traded at start.
Vitello referenced a “The Town” anecdote while discussing Devers’ misunderstanding via interpreter Erwin Higueros.
Former catcher Buster Posey said he had not spoken to Devers but intended to address incident, noting a 2016 dust-up.

Summary

Vitello Scrutinized

The Giants' 10-year, $313 million contract for Rafael Devers makes releasing or trading him financially unlikely.
Franchise leaders say a cultural reset is required after the team’s disastrous start to the season.
Several players have openly protested the team’s Pride Night events, adding to internal dissent.
First-year manager Tony Vitello, the highest-paid rookie manager in MLB history, faces scrutiny as the club sits 31-46.

History

Historical Context

In 1998 the New York Yankees, under owner George Steinbrenner, fielded Derek Jeter as a core player and posted a franchise-record 114 wins. The 2026 San Francisco Giants’ ten-year, $313 million contract with Rafael Devers mirrors that big-payroll approach, forcing manager Tony Vitello to balance a cultural reset with strict salary limits.

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Devers Waves Off

Rafael Devers waved off pinch-runner Jonah Cox in the ninth of the Giants’ 2-1 loss to Miami Marlins on June 21, 2026.
He apologized to manager Tony Vitello, believing the substitution addressed a hamstring issue he had mentioned.
Tony Vitello said they talked on flight back and called it a non-issue, adding that Buster Posey defended Devers as a teammate.
Devers is batting .238 as San Francisco sits 31-46, the NL’s second-worst.

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