Rafael Devers says he'll play any position the Giants ask

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Rafael Devers strolled into the clubhouse side-by-side with home run king Barry Bonds, a fellow left-handed slugger who San Francisco's new big hitter has long admired from afar.

“I think just looking at him my game has already improved a lot,” Devers joked as he was formally introduced by the Giants on Tuesday, when he started at designated hitter batting third in the series opener against the Cleveland Guardians.

Cheered warmly when introduced before the first pitch and given a rousing ovation when he walked to the batter's box to chants of “Rafi,” Devers struck out swinging on five pitches in his initial at-bat in the first inning of San Francisco's 3-2 loss. Fans held their phones high to capture photos and video.

“My first at-bat I was a little bit nervous because of the ovation from the fans, because I wasn't expecting that,” Devers said. “Nervous but very happy, and afterward I felt more comfortable and it was great to see the fans welcoming me that way.”

In the third, Devers hit an RBI double to right-center and put the Giants ahead 2-1. He struck out again in the fifth and grounded out in the seventh before a one-out single in the ninth as the Giants threatened. He finished 2 for 5 in his debut.

Devers is determined to leave his own lasting mark on the franchise in what is a much-needed fresh start for him and a monumental midseason acquisition for Buster Posey and San Francisco's front office.

Devers met Bonds and Posey for the first time and said he hopes to have legacies like theirs, even if Devers is still buidling up the courage to talk hitting with Bonds.

And whatever went wrong in Boston, Devers is done discussing any issues he had with the Red Sox and eager to move forward across the country with the Giants.

“That’s in the past now. I’m looking ahead and focusing on what I have here being a San Francisco Giant,” Devers said. “I’m eager to go out there and play and see what I can do.”

With a bright smile to match his bright new No. 16 jersey, Devers insisted he will play anywhere and do whatever manager Bob Melvin and his staff ask.

“I really like his answers, by the way,” said Posey, in his first year as president of baseball operations.

And on Day 1, Devers was out fielding grounders at first base — something he wouldn’t do in Boston. His batting practice drew a huge crowd at Oracle Park, where fans arrived early wearing his jersey.

“All day it was kind of a Devers fest, as it should have been. Had some good at-bats and it looks like he fits right in," Melvin said. “You have to realize he's been in Boston his whole career and all of a sudden he's here and we're all excited about it. It's a completely different environment, it's completely different team, he doesn't really know anybody on the team and shows up already a fan favorite.”

Devers wasn't about to guess how long it will take him to be ready to play first, but he hopes it's soon and he planned to take more grounders there in the coming days.

The Giants will take on a mega contract after Devers signed a $313.5 million, 10-year deal in January 2023. He joins several other stars here with long-term contracts — shortstop Willy Adames has a seven-year, $182 million deal and third baseman Matt Chapman $151 million over six years through 2030 — as Posey builds a roster he expects will compete for another World Series championship, like the ones the Giants won with him as their star catcher in 2010, ‘12 and ’14.

San Francisco last made the playoffs in 2021, when it won a franchise-record 107 games and edged the rival Dodgers for the NL West title on the final day.

“I think this organization has talent, they have won championships. I am here to play, to win and to win a championship,” Devers said through an interpreter.

Posey thanked ownership for its willingness to go for it and trade for Devers to boost a club that has lacked power and struggled to score runs for extended stretches this year. The trade announced Sunday came together in the past few weeks after countless hours and conversations.

“I think the persistence really paid off,” chairman Greg Johnson said.

While the Giants will gradually get Devers up to speed playing the field again since he has strictly been a DH this year, they know he has plenty of mentors eager to help. Melvin doesn't expect Devers to play third but rather DH and first, the very position he didn't want to play after losing his job at third when the Red Sox signed Alex Bregman to a $120 million, three-year contract in February to be their third baseman — the spot where Devers made 130 starts last year.

“When you have a guy like Barry Bonds around, arguably the greatest hitter of all-time, it's an added benefit for sure,” Posey said.

It will only be a matter of days before Devers' first reunion with the Red Sox, who visit Oracle Park for a weekend series.

He was batting .271 with 14 home runs and 57 RBIs over 72 games as Boston's primary DH. When asked what the differences will be as he begins anew, Devers noted: “It’s the same baseball. I’m here to give my 100%.”

“Been a fan from afar,” Giants pitcher Justin Verlander said. “Excited to add a player like that to our lineup.”

The 28-year-old Devers hadn’t been thrilled with the idea of playing first base in Boston but thanked the people who cheered him, calling them “great fans who supported me my whole time there.”

After all the fanfare of his introduction and receiving his jersey in front of most of his teammates, who made time to be at his news conference before doing their pregame routines, Devers got to work.

“The Giants brought me here for a reason and I will give 100%,” he said. “I'm now happy to be part of the team.”

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB

San Francisco Giants' Rafael Devers reacts after hitting an RBI double against the Cleveland Guardians during the third inning of a baseball game in San Francisco, Tuesday, June 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

San Francisco Giants' Rafael Devers strikes out against the Cleveland Guardians during the first inning of a baseball game in San Francisco, Tuesday, June 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

San Francisco Giants' Rafael Devers warms up before a baseball game against the Cleveland Guardians in San Francisco, Tuesday, June 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

San Francisco Giants' Willy Adames, left, talks with Rafael Devers while warming up before a baseball game against the Cleveland Guardians in San Francisco, Tuesday, June 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

San Francisco Giants infielder Rafael Devers, foreground, waits to hit during batting practice after talking with former player Barry Bonds, left, before a baseball game between the Giants and the Cleveland Guardians in San Francisco, Tuesday, June 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

San Francisco Giants' Rafael Devers speaks at a news conference before a baseball game against the Cleveland Guardians in San Francisco, Tuesday, June 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

San Francisco Giants President of Baseball Operations Buster Posey listens at a news conference before a baseball game between the Giants and the Cleveland Guardians in San Francisco, Tuesday, June 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

San Francisco Giants' Rafael Devers speaks at a news conference before a baseball game against the Cleveland Guardians in San Francisco, Tuesday, June 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

San Francisco Giants President of Baseball Operations Buster Posey, left, shakes hands with Rafael Devers during a news conference before a baseball game between the Giants and the Cleveland Guardians in San Francisco, Tuesday, June 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

San Francisco Giants' Rafael Devers, right, poses for photos with President of Baseball Operations Buster Posey at a news conference before a baseball game between the Giants and the Cleveland Guardians in San Francisco, Tuesday, June 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

San Francisco Giants' Rafael Devers puts on a jersey at a news conference before a baseball game against the Cleveland Guardians in San Francisco, Tuesday, June 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

San Francisco Giants President & Chief Executive Officer Larry Baer, left, and former player Barry Bonds listen as Rafael Devers speaks at a news conference before a baseball game between the Giants and the Cleveland Guardians in San Francisco, Tuesday, June 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

San Francisco Giants' Rafael Devers speaks at a news conference before a baseball game against the Cleveland Guardians in San Francisco, Tuesday, June 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

San Francisco Giants' Rafael Devers smiles while speaking at a news conference before a baseball game against the Cleveland Guardians in San Francisco, Tuesday, June 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

San Francisco Giants' Rafael Devers, right, smiles next to President of Baseball Operations Buster Posey at a news conference before a baseball game between the Giants and the Cleveland Guardians in San Francisco, Tuesday, June 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

A group of Buddhist monks and their rescue dog are striding single file down country roads and highways across the South, captivating Americans nationwide and inspiring droves of locals to greet them along their route.

In their flowing saffron and ocher robes, the men are walking for peace. It's a meditative tradition more common in South Asian countries, and it's resonating now in the U.S., seemingly as a welcome respite from the conflict, trauma and politics dividing the nation.

Their journey began Oct. 26, 2025, at a Vietnamese Buddhist temple in Texas, and is scheduled to end in mid-February in Washington, D.C., where they will ask Congress to recognize Buddha’s day of birth and enlightenment as a federal holiday. Beyond promoting peace, their highest priority is connecting with people along the way.

“My hope is, when this walk ends, the people we met will continue practicing mindfulness and find peace,” said the Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara, the group’s soft-spoken leader who is making the trek barefoot. He teaches about mindfulness, forgiveness and healing at every stop.

Preferring to sleep each night in tents pitched outdoors, the monks have been surprised to see their message transcend ideologies, drawing huge crowds into churchyards, city halls and town squares across six states. Documenting their journey on social media, they — and their dog, Aloka — have racked up millions of followers online. On Saturday, thousands thronged in Columbia, South Carolina, where the monks chanted on the steps of the State House and received a proclamation from the city's mayor, Daniel Rickenmann.

At their stop Thursday in Saluda, South Carolina, Audrie Pearce joined the crowd lining Main Street. She had driven four hours from her village of Little River, and teared up as Pannakara handed her a flower.

“There’s something traumatic and heart-wrenching happening in our country every day,” said Pearce, who describes herself as spiritual, but not religious. “I looked into their eyes and I saw peace. They’re putting their bodies through such physical torture and yet they radiate peace.”

Hailing from Theravada Buddhist monasteries across the globe, the 19 monks began their 2,300 mile (3,700 kilometer) trek at the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center in Fort Worth.

Their journey has not been without peril. On Nov. 19, as the monks were walking along U.S. Highway 90 near Dayton, Texas, their escort vehicle was hit by a distracted truck driver, injuring two monks. One of them lost his leg, reducing the group to 18.

This is Pannakara's first trek in the U.S., but he's walked across several South Asian countries, including a 112-day journey across India in 2022 where he first encountered Aloka, an Indian Pariah dog whose name means divine light in Sanskrit.

Then a stray, the dog followed him and other monks from Kolkata in eastern India all the way to the Nepal border. At one point, he fell critically ill and Pannakara scooped him up in his arms and cared for him until he recovered. Now, Aloka inspires him to keep going when he feels like giving up.

“I named him light because I want him to find the light of wisdom,” Pannakara said.

The monk's feet are now heavily bandaged because he's stepped on rocks, nails and glass along the way. His practice of mindfulness keeps him joyful despite the pain from these injuries, he said.

Still, traversing the southeast United States has presented unique challenges, and pounding pavement day after day has been brutal.

“In India, we can do shortcuts through paddy fields and farms, but we can’t do that here because there are a lot of private properties,” Pannakara said. “But what’s made it beautiful is how people have welcomed and hosted us in spite of not knowing who we are and what we believe.”

In Opelika, Alabama, the Rev. Patrick Hitchman-Craig hosted the monks on Christmas night at his United Methodist congregation.

He expected to see a small crowd, but about 1,000 people showed up, creating the feel of a block party. The monks seemed like the Magi, he said, appearing on Christ’s birthday.

“Anyone who is working for peace in the world in a way that is public and sacrificial is standing close to the heart of Jesus, whether or not they share our tradition,” said Hitchman-Craig. “I was blown away by the number of people and the diversity of who showed up.”

After their night on the church lawn, the monks arrived the next afternoon at the Collins Farm in Cusseta, Alabama. Judy Collins Allen, whose father and brother run the farm, said about 200 people came to meet the monks — the biggest gathering she’s ever witnessed there.

“There was a calm, warmth and sense of community among people who had not met each other before and that was so special,” she said.

Long Si Dong, a spokesperson for the Fort Worth temple, said the monks, when they arrive in Washington, plan to seek recognition of Vesak, the day which marks the birth and enlightenment of the Buddha, as a national holiday.

“Doing so would acknowledge Vesak as a day of reflection, compassion and unity for all people regardless of faith,” he said.

But Pannakara emphasized that their main goal is to help people achieve peace in their lives. The trek is also a separate endeavor from a $200 million campaign to build towering monuments on the temple’s 14-acre property to house the Buddha’s teachings engraved in stone, according to Dong.

The monks practice and teach Vipassana meditation, an ancient Indian technique taught by the Buddha himself as core for attaining enlightenment. It focuses on the mind-body connection — observing breath and physical sensations to understand reality, impermanence and suffering. Some of the monks, including Pannakara, walk barefoot to feel the ground directly and be present in the moment.

Pannakara has told the gathered crowds that they don't aim to convert people to Buddhism.

Brooke Schedneck, professor of religion at Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee, said the tradition of a peace walk in Theravada Buddhism began in the 1990s when the Venerable Maha Ghosananda, a Cambodian monk, led marches across war-torn areas riddled with landmines to foster national healing after civil war and genocide in his country.

“These walks really inspire people and inspire faith,” Schedneck said. “The core intention is to have others watch and be inspired, not so much through words, but through how they are willing to make this sacrifice by walking and being visible.”

On Thursday, Becki Gable drove nearly 400 miles (about 640 kilometers) from Cullman, Alabama, to catch up with them in Saluda. Raised Methodist, Gable said she wanted some release from the pain of losing her daughter and parents.

“I just felt in my heart that this would help me have peace,” she said. “Maybe I could move a little bit forward in my life.”

Gable says she has already taken one of Pannakara’s teachings to heart. She’s promised herself that each morning, as soon as she awakes, she’d take a piece of paper and write five words on it, just as the monk prescribed.

“Today is my peaceful day.”

Freelance photojournalist Allison Joyce contributed to this report.

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.

Buddhist monks who are participating in the, "Walk For Peace," get lunch Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, in Saluda, S.C. (AP Photo/Allison Joyce)

Aloka rests with Buddhist monks who are participating in the, "Walk For Peace," Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, in Saluda, S.C. (AP Photo/Allison Joyce)

A sign is seen greeting the Buddhist monks who are participating in the, "Walk For Peace," Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, in Saluda, S.C. (AP Photo/Allison Joyce)

Supporters pray with Buddhist monks who are participating in the, "Walk For Peace," Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, in Saluda, S.C. (AP Photo/Allison Joyce)

Supporters watch Buddhist monks who are participating in the, "Walk For Peace," Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, in Saluda, S.C. (AP Photo/Allison Joyce)

A Buddhist monk ties a prayer bracelet around the wrist of Josey Lee, 2-months-old, during the, "Walk For Peace," Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, in Saluda, S.C. (AP Photo/Allison Joyce)

Bhikkhu Pannakara, a spiritual leader, speaks to supporters during the, "Walk For Peace," Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, in Saluda, S.C. (AP Photo/Allison Joyce)

Buddhist monks participate in the, "Walk For Peace," Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, in Saluda, S.C. (AP Photo/Allison Joyce)

Buddhist monks participate in the, "Walk For Peace," Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, in Saluda, S.C. (AP Photo/Allison Joyce)

Bhikkhu Pannakara leads other buddhist monks in the, "Walk For Peace," Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, in Saluda, S.C. (AP Photo/Allison Joyce)

Audrie Pearce greets Buddhist monks who are participating in the, "Walk For Peace," Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, in Saluda, S.C. (AP Photo/Allison Joyce)

Bhikkhu Pannakara, a spiritual leader, speaks to supporters during the, "Walk For Peace," Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, in Saluda, S.C. (AP Photo/Allison Joyce)

Buddhist monks who are participating in the, "Walk For Peace," arrive in Saluda, Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, in Saluda, S.C. (AP Photo/Allison Joyce)

Buddhist monks who are participating in the, "Walk For Peace," are seen with their dog, Aloka, Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, in Saluda, S.C. (AP Photo/Allison Joyce)