Giants' Devers apologizes to manager after June 21 incident

San Francisco Giants first baseman Rafael Devers apologized to manager Tony Vitello this week following a public disagreement over a substitution during a game on Sunday, June 21. The incident occurred in Miami during the Giants' 2-1 loss to the Marlins.

With the Giants trailing by a run in the top of the ninth inning, Devers drew a leadoff walk. Vitello then sent rookie Jonah Cox to first base to pinch-run for Devers, a move intended to add speed on the bases. Devers, however, visibly waved off Cox and refused to leave the base before eventually storming into the dugout. The umpires placed Cox on base, but the Giants failed to score, ending the game with a flyout and a double play.

Speaking publicly for the first time on Tuesday, June 23, Devers explained his actions as a misunderstanding. He said that two days prior to the game he had informed Vitello about a hamstring issue and believed that was the reason for his removal, not his speed. Devers said he apologized to Vitello, calling it the right thing to do.

The two discussed the matter on the team's flight from Miami to San Francisco later Sunday night. Vitello, the first manager to transition directly from a college head...