San Francisco Giants Hit by Injury Blows: Devers with Hamstring Tightness, Bader with Thumb Contusion

The San Francisco Giants were dealt a twin injury blow today. Approximately one hour prior to the start of their preseason matchup with the Dodgers, first baseman Rafael Devers was a late scratch from the starting lineup because of tightness in his left hamstring. Subsequently, center fielder Harrison Bader left the game early following the first inning due to a contusion on his right thumb. The team nonetheless powered through to a commanding 12-4 win against the Dodgers.

Manager Tony Vitello stated in a post-game interview that Devers felt some discomfort in his leg during pre-game infield practice, prompting the team to hold him out as a precaution. Bader's thumb contusion has been bothering him for several days; he had hoped to play through it but was replaced after grounding out in the first inning. "He's fine," Vitello said. "We've been monitoring this for a few days, and he really wanted to play. We let him try today, but at this stage, it's better to be cautious."

Both players were already scheduled for a day off tomorrow, but Vitello indicated they could potentially return as early as Monday's game against the San Diego Padres. Bader, who signed a two-year, $20.5 million contract with the Giants in the offseason, has played in six of the team's first seven exhibition games. He is set to represent Team Israel in the upcoming Classic.

Ray Shows Early Promise After Adjusting Pitching Mechanics

Cy Young-winning left-hander Robbie Ray acknowledged that his first spring training start against the Chicago Cubs on Monday didn't feel right. Since undergoing Tommy John surgery in May 2023, he has been searching for his proper release point. The 34-year-old veteran returned to a major league mound in July 2024 and earned his second All-Star selection with the Giants last year, but he admitted he never fully regained his pre-surgery form.

During early bullpen sessions this spring, he was dissatisfied with his body mechanics. He worked with new pitching coaches Justin Meccage and Christian Wonders to diagnose the issue and implement adjustments. "We lost sleep over it," Ray said. "We kept trying to figure out what was wrong. It felt mainly like my back hip was dropping, causing my arm to ride too high, lowering my release point. The ball path was completely off; my earlier bullpens were practically unwatchable."

In today's start against the Dodgers, Ray utilized his adjusted mechanics and felt improved forward movement and power generation. The only run he allowed over two innings came on a triple by James Tibbs III, the Giants' 2024 first-round pick who was traded to the Red Sox in last year's deal for Devers. "This has been a long-standing issue for me," Ray remarked. "Today felt like a significant step forward in the right direction."

Arraez Departs for Classic Duty

In his final preseason game before leaving the team, Luis Arraez went 1-for-2 with a walk and played five innings at second base. The 28-year-old infielder will join right-hander José Buttó in representing Venezuela at the Classic. "I'm ready," Arraez said. "I'll miss my teammates, but I have a duty to my country. I'm excited, feeling good, and healthy. I can't wait to get to Miami, especially to see my family."

It has been less than three weeks since Arraez signed a one-year, $12 million contract with the Giants, but he says he has quickly settled in with his new club. "From the moment I arrived, they welcomed me with open arms. I already feel at home here."