San Francisco Giants designated hitter Rafael Devers is playing through a lower back disk injury that has hindered his performance since being acquired by the club last month.
Manager Bob Melvin revealed the diagnosis Friday, a day after Devers underwent an MRI. He is hopeful the upcoming All-Star break will provide enough recovery time to avoid placing the slugger on the injured list. Devers has begun taking anti-inflammatory medication to manage the irritation.
“I’m glad we got the MRI done so we know what’s going on,” Melvin said, noting the injury has been an issue “basically since he’s been here.”
The back problem, which Melvin said affects Devers most while running, has coincided with a dip in production. In his last 14 games heading into Friday’s series opener against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Devers was batting .245 with one home run and 23 strikeouts. The injury has also confined him to designated hitter duties, despite taking regular fielding practice at first base.
“It’s the reason he’s not out in the field right now,” Melvin stated.
The Giants acquired the three-time All-Star from the Boston Red Sox on June 15, taking on his 10-year, $313.5 million contract to bolster their lineup. Despite the injury, Devers was slotted to bat third as the DH on Friday.
Source link
