MLB Mike Trout robbed: Stat highlights improbable Esteury Ruiz catch vs. Angels
Trout robbed! Stat highlights improbable Ruiz catch originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
It didn't take long for rookie outfielder Esteury Ruiz to find his way on the 2023 Athletics highlight reel.
In the first inning of Oakland's Opening Day matchup against the Los Angeles Angels, superstar Mike Trout hit a sharp line drive off A's starter Kyle Muller.
Ruiz, manning center field in his A's debut, had a good jump on the ball and fully laid out to rob Trout of a potential extra-base hit.
What makes Ruiz's catch all the more impressive was that he traveled 63 feet in 2.1 seconds to catch the line drive, which traveled 107.9 mph off Trout's bat. Outfield Bot gave Ruiz a mere one-percent chance to catch the ball, while Statcast offered Ruiz a 15-percent chance.
Mike Trout lines out sharply to center fielder Esteury Ruiz. (03/30/2023)
Hang: 2.1s | Fielder Distance: 63ft.
Catch Odds: 1.0%
💎💎💎💎💎 Lineout
🎥: https://t.co/utxwaPO45O pic.twitter.com/RfagFEfUS8— Outfield Bot (@OutfieldBot) March 31, 2023
RELATED: Speedy outfield prospect Ruiz makes A's Opening Day roster
As the A's embark on their 2023 MLB season, plays like the one Ruiz made against Trout surely will be commonplace as the year progresses.
And considering the speed Ruiz has, A's fans are hopeful he can continue to make noise on the defensive end along with the base paths.
