The pitch came in 11 inches off the ground. Spencer Strider's slider was about to be ball four—until Rafael Devers lowered his front shoulder and swung with one hand. He golfed the pitch 357 feet over the right field bleachers, reminding every Giants fan what it's like to have a first baseman with prodigious power.
Yes, that's right. First baseman Rafael Devers.
After 29 forgettable games at DH, Devers debuted at first base on Tuesday night. The two-game sample size in the field has been fine. The two-game sample size at the plate has been magnificent. He's 5 for 10 with two homers and five RBIs.
As a fan, it's hard to grasp. Devers was the same guy Wednesday as he was Monday. He said playing the field helps him get his mind off every at-bat. If that's what it takes to unlock his inner Vlad Guerrero, the Giants will take it today, tomorrow, and for the next eight years.
Apropos of something: Justin Verlander finally, mercifully, captured his first win as a Giant. It only been 298 days since his last win. He’s the proud record holder of the longest single-season winless streak (16 starts) in Giants history.
Up next: The Giants are off today as they head back to San Francisco for a homestand against the Mets and Pirates. It’ll be Logan Webb (9-7, 3.08 ERA) against Clay Holmes (8-5, 3.48 ERA) on Friday night at the yard. First pitch at 7:15 pm.