


With one of the better game-ending catches possible, Rays reliever Jason Adam robbed Blue Jays outfielder — and former teammate — Kevin Kiermaier of a hit and possibly an RBI with this no-look, behind-the-back catch
Kiermaier, who spent the entirety of his 10-year MLB career in Tampa Bay before signing with the Blue Jays in the offseason, was just as shocked as anyone that the ball found Adam’s glove with runners on first and second and one out.
“Wow, wow,” Kiermaier appeared to say in shock, as Adam came up smiling and flipped the ball to second for a game-ending double play.
Baseball Savant measured that the ball came off the bat at 91.1 MPH with an expected batting average (xBA) of .370.
The quick reaction by Adam helped the Rays get off their mini two-game losing streak — which followed 13 consecutive wins to start the 2023 season — and improved their record to 14-2.
Rays ace Shane McClanahan threw six innings, allowing one run and striking out six.
He already has a league-leading four wins, and it’s only April 16.
The offense was supported by outfielder Josh Lowe and catcher Christian Bethancourt, who contributed three RBI each.
That’s all they would need to make quick work of the Blue Jays, who mustered just six hits and struggled to mount any offense.
The Rays are in a prime position to take further command of the AL East with an upcoming three-game set against the 6-8 Cincinnati Reds that starts Monday.