San Francisco Giants first baseman Rafael Devers tried to send pinch-runner Jonah Cox back to the bench after the three-time All-Star drew a walk to start the ninth inning in a 2-1 loss to the Miami Marlins.
Devers ultimately exited but not before causing some confusion on the field.
Rafael Devers didn't want to be removed for a pinch runner after a leadoff walk to start the ninth pic.twitter.com/PR3DCOFd3M
— SF Giants on NBCS (@NBCSGiants) June 21, 2026
"He was signaling over to us that he's good to run," Giants manager Tony Vitello said postgame, according to NBCS. "We DHed him the first game (of the series on Friday) after the day off just because - from running, from baserunning - some soreness in his leg. He's good to go. Part of it too is you know how competitive he is. He wanted to say in the game."
Vitello added: "I didn't see where he went afterwards, but once we announced the move, the move is made."
The first-year skipper also acknowledged that there are no issues between him and Devers.
"We talk every day. We're good," Vitello said. "I'd rather have guys like (Logan Webb), you've got to rip them off the field as opposed to vice versa."
Devers is reportedly on the trade block despite being owed $211 million from 2027 through 2033 with $52.5 million deferred.
The 29-year-old has only been with the Giants for one year following a blockbuster trade with the Boston Red Sox in June 2025.
San Francisco (31-46) owns the third-worst record in baseball this season.
