Watch Red Sox Star Make Game-Saving Double Play At New Position
Ceddanne Rafaela has played masterful defense in center field all season for the Boston Red Sox. He hasn’t needed much time to figure out second base.
Rafaela has increasingly seen more time at second base following an injury to Marcelo Mayer, who had just moved from third base following Alex Bregman’s return. Removing his elite glove from a premium position was a risk, but it paid off in a huge spot on Sunday.
Down 4-3 in the eighth inning, the Los Angeles Dodgers threatened to rally when drawing two walks off Aroldis Chapman. Teoscar Hernandez hit a line drive off Jordan Hicks, but Rafaela reached up to grab the missile.
Rafaela then dived to tag the second-base bag before Hyeseong Kim. The umpire initially ruled Kim safe, but a replay overturned the call to end the inning.
Here’s a look at the highlight play, courtesy of NESN on X:
Hicks pitched a scoreless ninth inning to preserve a 4-3 Red Sox victory. Boston remains in control of an American League wild-card spot after taking two of three games from the defending champions.
Rafaela’s sizzling bat cooled down against the Dodgers. The 24-year-old had recorded a hit in 15 of the last 16 games before going 1-for-11 this series.
However, Rafaela continues to deliver Gold Glove-caliber defense regardless of where he plays.
Rafaela entered Sunday with 17 defensive runs saved, tying Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Taylor Walls for MLB’s lead. Second base isn’t the optimal spot for such an elite fielder, but moving Rafaela to the keystone fills a void while solving Boston’s outfield dilemma.
Rafaela may continue to spend far more time at second than anticipated. At least the Red Sox don’t have to worry about him struggling to learn the new assignment.