Royals center fielder Kyle Isbel went head-first into the wall Wednesday night to help preserve a victory.
Isbel made a spectacular grab while crashing into the wall to rob Tampa Bay’s Taylor Wells of an extra-base hit for the second out of the ninth inning of the Royals’ 4-2 victory at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City.
“Took a quick peek at the wall to see where I was at and knew there was going to be a collision, but the game was on the line,” Isbel told reporters afterward. “I was kind of surprised I hung onto it. I hit the wall pretty hard out there … Nose hurts a little bit, but it’ll be good.”
Former Yankees catcher Ben Rortvedt tagged up and advanced from second to third on Isbel’s leaping catch, before closer James McArthur recorded the final out of the game for his 15th save of the season.
“One of the most amazing catches I’ve seen,” McArthur said. “He’s one of the best outfielders in the game. I knew he had a chance on it because he’s such a good outfielder, but to watch it happen, that was incredible.”
“Izzy does Izzy things,” added Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. “That was incredible.”
Isbel, 27, is in his fourth year with the Royals after being drafted in the third round in 2018.
He doesn’t provide much offense, hitting just .234 with a .661 OPS, along with six homers and 22 RBIS, spanning 71 games, but that defense makes up for it.
For his career, he’s slashing .234/.278/.383/.661.
The Royals have been one of baseball’s pleasant surprises this season, entering Thursday’s game vs. the Rays in possession of the third and final wild card berth in the American league.
Kansas City (48-40) is in third place the AL Central, receiving strong contributions from an MVP candidate in Witt and a stout pitching staff.
