Giants DH Rafael Devers dealing with disk injury in back

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) – San Francisco Giants designated hitter Rafael Devers is dealing with a disk injury in his lower back that has limited his production since joining his new club.

Manager Bob Melvin is hopeful Devers won’t require a stint on the injured list given the upcoming time off for the All-Star break.

Devers has begun anti-inflammatory medication for the irritation symptoms he is experiencing and is playing through the issue. He underwent an MRI exam Thursday.

“He went on some medication, feels a little bit better today. We’ll see how he responds to that,” Melvin said. “I’m glad we got the MRI done so we know what’s going on.”

Acquired last month from the Red Sox, Devers entered the series opener Friday against the rival Los Angeles Dodgers batting .245 with 23 strikeouts, four doubles, a home run and six RBIs over his past 14 games dating to June 26. He was hitting .261 with 17 homers and 67 RBIs overall.

The Giants took on Devers’ mega contract when they traded for him June 15 to boost their offense after the slugger made it known he didn’t want to play first base for Boston. But he arrived in the Bay Area insisting he would do anything asked of him to help San Francisco win.

San Francisco Giants' Rafael Devers starts to run after hitting a two-run single against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the seventh inning during a baseball game, Thursday, July 3, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

San Francisco Giants’ Rafael Devers starts to run after hitting a two-run single against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the seventh inning during a baseball game, Thursday, July 3, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

A three-time All-Star, Devers signed $313.5 million, 10-year contract with the Red Sox in 2023.

On Friday, he was in the lineup as DH batting third but isn’t yet ready to play the field, including first base where he has been doing regular fielding work.

“He feels it mostly running, probably a little bit at the plate, but not as much as when he’s running bases,” Melvin said. “I think with the break hopefully (he’ll be OK). I think he’s been playing through it for a little bit, basically since he’s been here. It’s the reason he’s not out in the field right now.”

San Francisco Giants' Rafael Devers reacts to striking out during the third inning of a baseball game against the Athletics Sunday, July 6, 2025, in West Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Sara Nevis)

San Francisco Giants’ Rafael Devers reacts to striking out during the third inning of a baseball game against the Athletics Sunday, July 6, 2025, in West Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Sara Nevis)

San Francisco Giants' Rafael Devers reacts after hitting a double during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Athletics, Friday, July 4, 2025, in West Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Sara Nevis)

San Francisco Giants’ Rafael Devers reacts after hitting a double during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Athletics, Friday, July 4, 2025, in West Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Sara Nevis)

Related Posts

🚨 BREAKING JARREN DURAN’S SOCIAL MEDIA STORM THREATENS RED SOX TRADE FUTURE — Jarren Duran’s recent social media controversy is raising serious concerns, as the young outfielder’s online missteps may severely impact his trade value. With the Red Sox looking to make moves, this off-field drama could be a deal-breaker. Can Duran bounce back and salvage his future with Boston, or will this nightmare derail his trade prospects entirely? The clock is ticking as the pressure mounts on the talented but troubled outfielder. 👀⏳👇👇👇

Bullet point summary by AI Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran enters Tuesday hitting .194 with a .577 OPS and has become a growing distraction this season…

🚨 BREAKING THE RED SOX ARE AIMING FOR A FUTURE ACE — Boston is reportedly set to land one of the most highly anticipated pitching prospects in years, a 6-foot-9, 100 mph teen lefty phenom from Massachusetts. This kid is already turning heads and is expected to revolutionize the Red Sox rotation. With a rocket arm and a commanding presence on the mound, he could be the game-changer Boston has been waiting for. Prepare for a new chapter in Red Sox history—this young star is ready to take the baseball world by storm! 👀🔥👇👇👇

Getty The Red Sox are projected to target 6-foot-9 Massachusetts lefty Brody Bumila, a teenage phenom already touching 100 mph. The Boston Red Sox are now being…

🚨 BREAKING ANTHONY VOLPE’S BIGGEST SUPPORTER SHINES BRIGHT — As the Yankees call up their star rookie, Anthony Volpe, his girlfriend, Elle Jowett, is making waves of her own with a stunning new modeling shoot that’s setting the internet on fire. With the spotlight on the young shortstop, Elle is proving that she’s more than just a supportive partner—she’s a rising star in her own right. Get ready to see her grace the social media feeds as Volpe’s ascent continues to electrify the Bronx. The Yankees’ future is bright, and so is Elle’s! 👀🔥👇👇👇

Anthony Volpe Returns to New York Yankees After Shoulder Injury: What to Expect on May 12 In a significant update for the New York Yankees, 25-year-old shortstop…

🚨 BREAKING A NIGHT TO REMEMBER: CHICAGO CUBS VS ATLANTA BRAVES — The stage is set for an unforgettable showdown! As the Chicago Cubs roll into Atlanta, the stakes couldn’t be higher. With the roar of the Braves’ home crowd echoing through Truist Park and both teams battling for supremacy, this game is more than just a regular season match. It’s a moment that could shape the rest of the season! Tune in to catch every second of the action as the Cubs aim to take down the Braves in a clash that promises fireworks. You won’t want to miss it! 🌟👀👇👇👇

Where to Watch Chicago Cubs vs. Atlanta Braves: Live Stream, Start Time, TV Channel for Tuesday, May 12, 2026 The Chicago Cubs, sitting atop the NL Central…

Rangers pitcher Nathan Eovaldi gets injury status after late scratch vs. Diamondbacks

Vіncent Cаrchіettа-іmаgn іmаgeѕ The Texаѕ Rаngerѕ oрened а ѕerіeѕ аgаіnѕt the аrіzonа Dіаmondbаckѕ on Mondаy nіght. Nаthаn eovаldі wаѕ exрected to mаke the ѕtаrt аgаіnѕt the Dіаmondbаckѕ…

🚨 BREAKING : Yankees pitcher Ryan Weathers delivers a powerful statement after his no-hit bid was spoiled — reflecting on the near-miss and vowing to come back stronger, with teammates rallying behind his resilience and determination, a moment of disappointment that only fuels his drive even more 👇👇👇

The New York Yankees suffered another difficult loss Monday night, but Ryan Weathers still delivered an encouraging performance during a 3-2 defeat against the Baltimore Orioles at…