Rafael Devers is out of the San Francisco Giants’ lineup Wednesday against the St. Louis Cardinals, and manager Tony Vitello said it’s simply a rest day for a player who has appeared in 309 straight games.
Devers had started every game for the Giants this season entering Wednesday, an Ironman-like streak that stretched back to a 163-game 2025 season split between Boston and San Francisco. Devers leads all of MLB with 146 consecutive games played. He also carried a league-leading share of doubles into the week, along with 35 home runs and 92 RBIs.
Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reported the move Wednesday morning, noting Vitello had already flagged the plan Tuesday. Rookie Bryce Eldridge will start at first base in Devers’ place, with Turner Hill sliding into the designated hitter spot.
It’s a questionable move to give Devers the day off as he’s been hitting relatively well, batting .385 with four home runs over the past seven days. Add that Wednesday’s starter for the St. Louis Cardinals is right-hander Andre Pallante, a matchup that would benefit Devers’ bat.
There’s even more to play for as Devers could end up finishing the season with 40 doubles, 40 home runs, and 100 RBIs in a single season, a feat that no Giants player has ever recorded. Only 37 hitters in MLB history have achieved those numbers.
San Francisco enters the day at 61-85 and out of playoff contention, but a sweep would close out the homestand on a high note. Devers remains available off the bench if the Giants need him late.
Greatest Giants of All Time
- 5 Best Giants Hitters of All Time
- 5 Best Giants Pitchers of All Time
