Giants’ Rafael Devers Reacts To Debut After Red Sox Trade Stunner

And we’re off.

Rafael Devers made his debut with the San Francisco Giants Tuesday, two days after the blockbuster trade that ended his nine-year run with the Boston Red Sox.

Batting third in the Giants lineup as the designated hitter, Devers went 2-for-5 with one RBI and two strikeouts. His third-inning double drove in the Giants’ second run of the game, which San Francisco lost to the Cleveland Guardians, 3-2.

After the game, Devers said he was happy to hit the ground running.

“My first at-bat I was a little bit nervous because of the ovation from the fans, because I wasn’t expecting that,” Devers said, according to the Associated Press. “Nervous but very happy, and afterward I felt more comfortable and it was great to see the fans welcoming me that way.”

While Devers made his debut as the DH, he said he’s open to whatever the Giants have in mind.

“I’m happy to be here with the San Francisco Giants,” Devers said through his translator before the game. “I will give my 100% effort around the field.”

Devers later said, “They’re the men in charge. I’m here to play wherever they want me to play.”

That was music to manager Bob Melvin’s ears.

“He’s gonna DH today, he’s gonna hit in the three spot,” Melvin told the media before Tuesday’s game. “We’re gonna work him in and get him some ground balls at first to make sure he’s comfortable before we put him there. That’s pretty much the way we look at it right now. A little bit of DH and a little bit of first.”

Devers refused to move to first base earlier this season with the Red Sox following the season-ending knee injury to Triston Casas.

Former Red Sox infielder Dominic Smith has been holding down first base for the Giants. He went 1-for-5 with one RBI and one strikeout on Tuesday.