Seattle Mariners center fielder Julio Rodriguez misjudged a deep fly ball, leading to confusion for everyone, during Tuesday night's game against Kansas City.
It happened in the top of the fifth with one out and runners on second and third as the Royals looked to extend a 3-1 lead. Royals batter Salvador Perez hit a high fly ball to deep right-center field. Rodriguez chased the ball to the warning track and climbed up the outfield wall as if he had a chance to catch it to prevent a home run. However, not only did the ball stay in the park, but also bounced off the wall nearly 10 feet away from where Rodriguez was.
Making matters worse, Rodriguez thought that the ball landed on the field after having gone over the wall, so he let the ball roll away. This fooled the TV broadcasters, who initially called the play as a 3-run homer for Perez (and showed the graphics to match). Meanwhile, Dominic Canzone had to come over from right field to throw the ball back in as Perez made it to second easily. The misplay by Rodriguez also fooled Vinnie Pasquantino, who was on second base and began jogging when he thought Perez hit a home run, then had to sprint to beat the throw at the plate in a close play.
Literally everyone thought Salvador Perez had himself a three-run homer ðŸ˜pic.twitter.com/v0kEy2EGW7
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) July 2, 2025
In the end, the play counts as a double and 2 RBI for Perez and gave the Royals a 5-1 lead.
In recent days we have seen some strange plays by MLB outfielders, and this one certainly ranks up there. Not sure how Rodriguez ended up so far away from the ball as he did not seem to be blinded by the sun. Had he tracked down the ball properly, he may have had a chance to catch it, or at least prevent one runner from making it home on the play.
Perez had a great night from the plate, going 3-for-5 with two doubles and 3 RBI as the Royals beat the Mariners 6-3.
Moonlighting as a blogger to pursue my interest and enjoyment of sports. Former high school and Division I athlete (now a "retired" family man) that loves watching and discussing all sports. Follow me on Twitter (@HoldoutSports).
