Los Angeles Dodgers rookie Jonny DeLuca has been on the big league roster for the proverbial cup of coffee, and while his bat really hasn’t gotten going yet, he is leaving a serious impression on his teammates and fans with some outstanding defense.
Heading into June, 25th-round pick Jonny DeLuca was seen as one of the 20 best players in the Los Angeles Dodgers farm system. And when the team was in need of outfield depth it was an easy choice to promote him to take Trayce Thompson’s spot on the roster while he was on the injured list. However, since being called up DeLuca has only played a limited role.
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DeLuca has played in just 20 games since being brought up to the majors on June 4, and unsurprisingly it has been difficult for him to build momentum at the play with the sporadic play. Nevertheless, he has been able to help the team in the few times he is in the lineup, especially when it comes to his defense. Just like he did on Friday night.
In the Los Angeles Dodgers game against the American League West-leading Texas Rangers, the 25-year-old made not one, but two defensive plays that might be in the running for play of the year. However, what makes it all the more special was he did it on consecutive plays.
Los Angeles Dodgers rookie makes pair of spectacular defensive plays
First, with the game tied at four in the bottom of the fifth inning, Leody Tavres smashed a 2-0 pitch from Tony Goslin that was rocketed to left center. However, Jonny DeLuca was able to read the ball well off the bat, sprinted to his left, and laid out to make an outstanding diving catch to avoid a likely double and possibly triple from Tavares.
- Jonny DeLuca stats (2023): 33 AB, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 3 R, .212 AVG, .278 OBP, .333 SLG
Yet, on the next play, the Dodgers rookie was able to actually top that when Marcus Semien crushed a 2-0 Goslin pitch deep to left-center. DeLuca tracked the ball, stopped at the wall, leaped, and stole what was sure to be a home run from over the wall.
The pair of plays were so spectacular that the starting pitcher was caught on camera saying to catcher Will Smith, “Oh my god.” Oh my indeed.
Unfortunately for the Los Angeles Dodgers, the back-to-back plays only held down the Rangers for so long as they were able to take a 5-4 lead in the following inning. Nevertheless, it was a pair of truly amazing plays by the MLB newbie.