Watch: Ceddanne Rafaela makes unbelievable double play to save run vs. Tigers
Rafaela made an amazing diving catch in the gap before getting up and firing into second to end the top of the sixth inning.
Ceddanne Rafaela continues to make unbelievable plays in center field for the Red Sox.
Saturday showcased one of his best defensive plays of the entire season. Rafaela ran a long way to track a drive towards the gap in right-center, and laid out to make the grab. He immediately shot up to make the throw to second base, catching the Detroit Tigers runner who was well on his way home. That double play saved a run and preserved Boston’s 3-1 lead heading into the bottom of the sixth inning.
Rafaela had just a five percent chance to make the catch, according to MLB.com’s Ian Browne.
Watch it unfold here:
Rafaela impressed Red Sox manager Alex Cora throughout the offseason, enough to give him a spot on Boston’s opening day roster and commit to him as the team’s full-time center fielder. That commitment is paying off two months into the season.
Though Rafaela had to move temporarily to shortstop with the Red Sox in dire need of a reliable hand up the middle, it’s clear his impact in the outfield is valuable to the present and future of Boston. The Red Sox showed faith in that when they inked an 8-year contract extension with the rookie prior to opening day.
The series against Detroit has encapsulated everything the 23-year-old can do for Boston. On Friday, he launched two home runs over the Green Monster, good for five RBIs, to help the Red Sox beat the Tigers 7-3. On Saturday, he came back with more highlights on defense.
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com