MLB WebGems: Ten Greatest Defensive Plays of Week-8

TORONTO, ON - MAY 23: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. #27 of the Toronto Blue Jays throws from the seat of his pants to get the baserunner at first base as he falls after fielding a grounder in the fourth inning during MLB game action against the Boston Red Sox at Rogers Centre on May 23, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - MAY 23: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. #27 of the Toronto Blue Jays throws from the seat of his pants to get the baserunner at first base as he falls after fielding a grounder in the fourth inning during MLB game action against the Boston Red Sox at Rogers Centre on May 23, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next

MLB WebGem #10: Cody Bellinger, Los Angeles Dodgers

As if the Los Angeles Dodgers haven’t benefitted from Cody Bellinger’s bat this season, but he’s also making phenomenal catches too?! Belli’s height is undoubtedly advantageous as he makes this grab near the top of the right field wall at the beautiful PNC Park; most outfielders would have to back away from the wall and play the ball off of it, but that’s because most outfielders aren’t 6’4″ with Bellinger’s hops. The play is even more impressive given that Bellinger dislocated his right shoulder earlier this month, which is why he’s been in the outfield instead of first base in the first place.

MLB WebGems #9: Nicky Lopez, Kansas City Royals

The Kansas City Royals must be wondering why they didn’t call up Nicky Lopez sooner. The 24-year old has made a great impression since making his major league debut on May 14th, hitting .293 in 41 at-bats while demonstrating above-average ability to make contact and remarkable plate discipline.

The Royals’ #8 prospect on MLB Pipeline has also established a capability of playing big league-caliber defense, exhibiting a plethora of skills in making this putout. He turned on the jets getting to this grounder up the middle and rears back enough to retire the runner at first on an easy one-hopper while his momentum pushed him to left field. I’ll go out on a limb and say this won’t be the first time Lopez will make the highlight reel.