The San Francisco Giants, with a record of 43-34, find themselves in a competitive position in the NL West, trailing the Los Angeles Dodgers by 3.5 games. Despite a winning record, their offense has been underwhelming, ranking 24th in MLB with a .683 OPS and only 73 home runs. In a strategic move to bolster their lineup, the Giants acquired Rafael Devers from the Boston Red Sox, trading away Jordan Hicks, Kyle Harrison, and other prospects.

Devers, a proven hitter with an OPS of .890 this season, has stepped into the middle of the Giants' order, but his transition to first base has been complicated by a current groin injury. While Devers is recovering, the Giants face a decision at first base, with Dominic Smith and Wilmer Flores as potential replacements. Smith has shown promise with a .298 batting average this season, while Flores has contributed with 11 home runs and 54 RBIs.