The time has come. Rafael Devers is back in Boston. As a member of the San Francisco Giants. It will be his second time facing the Sox since the trade in 2025. The first series was in San Francisco and the second is here in his old home.
It’s been…a bit of a time since the trade. The Giants got a slugging first baseman and the Red Sox got a lot of freedom.
Logan Webb hasn’t been himself this year with a number of blowups.
He started the season allowing 7 runs (6 earned) against he Yankees. Gave up 6 to the Padres in June, 7 to the Rockies in July, and 5 to the Blue Jays. But he’s been better in August. Over three starts he’s allowed just two runs in 20 innings. That’s 6.0 shutout innings and two 8.0, 1-run outings. Webb’s strikeouts are down from 26.2% in 2025 to 19.6% in 2026, although he’s got 17 in his last 20 innings. Sonny Gray, the 15 game winner, will open the series. He’s on another roll this season. Over his last three starts and he’s at 19 innings with two runs allowed. As hot as Webb.
Blade Tidwell came over to the Giants at the deadline in 2025 for Tyler Rogers, the reliever now with the Blue Jays. He’s made 13 starts for San Francisco this season. Over 27 innings he has 20 strikeouts and 10 walks. Lst time out was a 4.1 inning,, 6-run outing against the Rockies. He’s facing Patrick Sandoval who is coming off a disaster of an outing. His last time out he lasted just 4.0 innings and he allowed 7 runs. The Pirates were all over his offerings. Did the Sandoval magic run out? At least with the off-day on Thursday the bullpen is rested.
The Giants don’t have a starter listed for Sunday. Carson Whisenhunt took a turn in the rotation after Tidwell the last time out and allowed 7 runs (6 earned) in 4.0 innings. Jake Bennett looked less like himself the last two times out. Against the Pirates he just didn’t have his normal stuff. He’s piling up innings and has entered some uncharted territory in that regard. The off-day got him a extra day of rest. Hopefully that will help him get back on track in what has been a great rookie year.
Rafael Devers has 25 home runs and is hitting .244/.317/.471. As a member of the Red Sox he slashed .279/.349/.510 over parts of 9 seasons.
Willy Adames has hit 19 homers. He wasn’t moved at the deadline despite rumors.
Matt Chapman, one of the other big contracts the Giants were looking to move remains on the IL.
Watch out, two games are on national TV this weekend. Not much NESN fun.
Probable Pitching Matchups
Friday, August 21: Logan Webb (3.50 ERA / 3.17 FIP) vs. Sonny Gray (2.66 ERA / 3.48 FIP)
Saturday, August 22: Blade Tidwell (4.33 ERA / 3.79 FIP) vs. Patrick Sandoval (4.76 ERA / 3.67 FIP)
Sunday, August 23: TBD (— ERA / — FIP) vs. Jake Bennett (3.46 ERA / 2.99 FIP)
When/Where to Watch
Friday, August 21: 7:10 PM ET on NESN
Saturday, August 22: 7:15 PM ET on FOX
Sunday, August 23: 3:15 PM ET on NBC/Peacock
