Red Sox reliever pulls off another home run 'hat trick'

Robbie Ross Jr. has carved out two big roles in the Boston Red Sox bullpen.

First and foremost, he’s a quality left-handed pitcher who has earned the trust of manager John Farrell and retired some of the best left-handed hitters MLB has to offer.

Beyond that though, Ross has also become Boston’s designated home run catcher. Though we should also stress this assignment is for entertainment purposes only, as his methods for catching said home runs are anything but normal.

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Ross owns a glove. This much we know from watching him pitch. However, when it comes to catching home runs, he only uses his cap. That’s led to some unintentionally funny moments and now a handful of remarkable catches, such as the one he completed during Friday’s 5-3 win over the Yankees.

Smooth, Robbie Ross Jr. Very smooth. Especially considering Yankees left fielder Brett Gardner nearly made his own spectacular grab to rob Ryan Hanigan of a solo home run.

That’s one thing you’ll notice about Ross’ attempts too. They only come when Red Sox hitters are at the plate. We’re pretty sure his fellow Red Sox pitchers wouldn’t be thrilled with him making a spectacle of home runs they allow, so we’re guessing that’s how it will stay.

The hat tricks, if you will, do add a little fun and some intrigue to any Red Sox home runs headed toward their own bullpen. As noted, he’s made some excellent catches, including a memorable one on the Fourth of July this season.

That wouldn’t count for an out on the field of play, but it’s still a catch in the bullpen.

Ross is far from a perfect ball hawk, but he’s been effective. That would also apply to his pitching. His 4.55 ERA this season may not blow you away, but he got the call with Boston protecting a two-run, eighth-inning lead on Friday and he answered it with a scoreless frame.

When you get the job done, it’s OK to have a little fun.

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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at bigleaguestew@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!

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