Devers undergoes successful surgery, on track for 2027 return

ST. LOUIS -- Rafael Devers underwent successful surgery Tuesday in Philadelphia to repair the left side core muscle injury that ended his 2026 season, Giants manager Tony Vitello said before San Francisco’s game against the Cardinals.

Vitello said the procedure went as expected, with doctors finding essentially what they had seen on Devers’ MRI.

“Got done what they needed to do,” Vitello said. “They felt like he’ll do well afterwards, do well with the recovery.”

Devers is expected to remain in Philadelphia for a brief period before returning to San Francisco, potentially as soon as Wednesday. Vitello said the baseline recovery timeline is approximately three months, though that could vary depending on how Devers’ body responds during the rehab process.

The Giants placed Devers on the 60-day injured list Sunday, officially ending his season after the 29-year-old had dealt with the core muscle issue throughout the year.

Devers finished the season batting .258 with a team-leading 37 home runs and 98 RBIs. He was particularly hot down the stretch, hitting 12 homers over his final 21 games before San Francisco shut him down.

The timing of the procedure gives Devers the offseason to recover ahead of 2027. Vitello said Sunday that the Giants’ decision to address the injury now was made with next season in mind.

“He’s pretty geeked up about next year,” Vitello said Sunday. “His confidence in next year’s success gives me confidence.”