Rangers centerfielder DJ Peters created an insane double play with a catch at the wall and a throw to first base to catch Kike Hernandez.
DJ Peters has officially submitted his bid for defensive play of the season.
The Rangers outfielder pulled off an utterly ridiculous double play against the Red Sox by making a leaping grab at the wall, then launching a throw back to first base to catch Kiké Hernández sleeping.
Seriously, when the ball left Rafael Devers’ bat, who would have guessed the outcome would be a double play? No one.
Well…no one but Peters, apparently.
DJ Peters pulled off an utterly unlikely double play
Making that catch would have been a big enough defensive play. The incredible part is Peters’ awareness. He went straight back to first base without a moment’s delay. Sure, he needed some pretty terrible baserunning from Hernandez to complete the play. Still, nine times out of 10, Hernández doesn’t get pinched there even if he’s not at his most alert.
The timing was fortunate as well. Hernández had just driven in Bobby Dalbec to cut the Red Sox deficit. With the game at 2-1 and no outs, the Rangers needed a defensive play to keep the inning in check. Peters delivered just the trick as a ground out quickly ended the from. In the top of the fourth, Texas opened up their lead to 5-1.
The Rangers picked up Peters at the start of August after he was designated for assignment by the Dodgers. He’s made 17 appearances for the ball club, but it hasn’t been the easiest of times. He went into Saturday’s game batting .155/.177/.345.
The defensive prowess helps his case, but a hit in the top of the sixth could also be a positive sign in terms of his offense.