Ceddanne Rafaela and middle area go collectively like peanut butter and jelly. He seems to have an opportunity at catching each ball hit in his path, and has a cannon of an arm to go together with his vary.
With Roman Anthony out injured, there’s extra enjoying time accessible within the outfield, so the Pink Sox don’t should play Rafaela at second base to get him within the lineup.
Pink Sox beginning pitcher Lucas Giolito was glad Rafaela was in middle area on Saturday. Within the fifth inning, Corbin Carroll drove a ball to deep right-center area. Rafaela ran it down, timed his soar and got here down with the ball, colliding with the wall within the course of. You’ll be able to watch the catch right here.
Giolito was visibly impressed by the play. He appeared to mouth “holy [expletive]” twice earlier than he tipped his cap to his middle fielder.
The catch was nothing new for Rafaela. Earlier this season, he mentioned that if the ball is within the park, he thinks he ought to catch it. On Saturday, he caught a ball that wasn’t going to remain within the park till he intervened, and he did it together with his instincts.
Story continues under commercial
“You can’t actually assume. It occurs fast. I simply tried to catch it,” Rafaela mentioned.
Later within the sport, Rafaela wasn’t as lucky with the glove. A ball fell between he and Jarren Duran, who appeared to fail to speak, although Rafaela took the blame after the sport.
“I believed I had it, I referred to as it, and I didn’t,” Rafaela mentioned.
Story continues under commercial
Regardless of the theft, the Arizona Diamondbacks beat the Pink Sox, 5-1.
