Royals center fielder Kyle Isbell slammed headfirst into a wall while trying to save a win on Wednesday night.
Isbell made a spectacular catch, crashing into the wall, to deny Tampa Bay’s Taylor Wells his second extra-base hit in the bottom of the ninth inning during the Royals’ 4-2 victory at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City.
“I glanced at the wall to see where I was and knew I was going to collide, but the game was on the line.” “I’m not sure what to do,” Isbell told reporters afterward.“I’m kind of surprised I held on. I hit the wall pretty hard… my nose is a little sore, but I’ll be OK.”
Former Yankees catcher Ben Rotvedt tagged up and advanced from second to third on a leaping catch by Isbell, allowing closer James MacArthur to record the final out of the game, his 15th save of the season.
“It’s one of the most amazing catches I’ve ever seen,” MacArthur said. “He’s one of the best outfielders in baseball. I knew he had a chance because he’s a good outfielder, but to actually see it happen was unbelievable.”
“Izzy does Izzy things,” added Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. “That was unbelievable.”
Isbell, 27, is in his fourth season with the Royals after being selected in the third round of the 2018 draft.
He hasn’t contributed much offensively, batting just .234 with a .661 OPS, six home runs and 22 RBIs in 71 games, but his defense makes up for it.
His career batting line is .234/.278/.383/.661.
The Royals have been one of baseball’s pleasant surprises this season and enter Thursday’s game against the Rays holding the American League’s third and final wild-card spot.
Kansas City (48-40) sits in third place in the American League Central behind strong contributions from MVP candidate Witt and a powerhouse pitching staff.
