There are times when sports stories arise from media or fan narratives, and other times when the events unfold naturally. This Friday, the 15-game MLB slate features one of baseball’s biggest stars facing his former team shortly after a significant trade sent him to a new location. Rafael Devers, now with the San Francisco Giants, will play against the Boston Red Sox when the AL East team visits Oracle Park for a three-game series.

While narratives about players facing their old teams can often seem cliché, Devers’ situation has genuine implications. Red Sox fans are still in shock over his departure, largely blaming the team management for parting ways with another star player. Meanwhile, the Giants are known for being unafraid to make bold personnel moves when they feel competitive.

Despite a recent trade that involved a contract worth $313.5 million, Devers has expressed willingness to play any position the Giants need him to, potentially including first base this Friday. This clash indeed shapes a compelling narrative as the Red Sox engage with their former superstar.

Alongside the Red Sox and Giants game, there are 14 more MLB games and a WNBA matchup to consider, along with the NBA Finals Game 7 on Sunday night.

⚾ MLB Best Bets

Red Sox at Giants
Time: 10:15 p.m. | Location: San Francisco | TV: NBC Sports Bay Area, NESN
SportsLine picks: Over 7.5 runs | Expert pick: Giants -130

WNBA Best Bets
Mystics at Dream
Time: 7:30 p.m. | Location: Atlanta | TV: ION
Expert pick: Dream -7.5

👀 Looking Ahead

Pacers at Thunder, NBA Finals Game 7
Date: Sunday | Time: 8 p.m. | Location: Oklahoma City | TV: ABC
SportsLine picks: Thunder -7.5 | Expert pick: T.J. McConnell Over 17.5 points/assists/rebounds

As for this Finals series, expectations have shifted dramatically since its onset, with the Thunder now facing the challenge of overcoming a resilient Pacers team. Can the Thunder fulfill their potential at home, or will the Pacers deliver a shocking upset?