Rafael Devers, the Giants’ most productive hitter this season who was poised to become the team’s first 40-homer player since Barry Bonds, will not play again this year because of a core muscle injury.
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Devers, 29, will hit the 60-day injured list as the Giants call up outfielder Scott Bandura for the last two weeks of their disappointing season.
“Devers has managed this issue for much of the season and chose to keep playing through it,” read a rare statement issued by the team Sunday along with the announcement of his placement on the 60-day injured list.
The Giants, who have been eliminated from playoff contention, complete their penultimate homestand today against the Padres.
Devers is just their latest high-priced veteran infielder to be ruled out for the year. Last month, shortstop Willy Adames (elbow sprain) and Matt Chapman (abdominal strain) saw their seasons declared over.
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The first baseman/DH has been one of the hottest hitters in the major leagues after a miserable start.
Devers hit a two-run home run on Saturday after his grand slam on Friday (both in losses to the Padres) giving the left-handed slugger eight homers in his last 11 games.
He finishes the season with a slash line of .259/.340/.525. His 37 home runs are the most since Bonds hit 45 in 2004, and his 98 RBIs are the most since Buster Posey drove in 103 during his MVP season of 2012.
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Check back for more on this developing story.
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