When Guardians shortstop Gabriel Arias rounded third base in the second inning of Wednesday’s game against the Royals, he likely had one Gob Bluth-inspired thought: “I’ve made a huge mistake.”
The throw from Kansas City center fielder Kyle Isbel was on time and on target, leaving Arias will scarce options to avoid being thrown out trying to score. So what did the rookie infield do? He got creative.
Arias timed his slide perfectly—and got just enough of a high hop from the Progressive Field turf—to avoid the tag from catcher Freddy Fermin by sliding between his legs. Though he was called out on the field, replay overturned the call, giving Cleveland a 3–0 lead.
Problem: Play at the plate.
— MLB (@MLB) July 26, 2023
Solution: Slide between the catcher's legs. 😂 pic.twitter.com/P5XYH7SZF4
The Guardians would eventually open up a 7–0 lead through four innings before winning, 8–3, to pull their record back to .500. They’ve won six of their last eight games to pull within two games of the Twins for first place in the American League Central.
If Cleveland is to continue its run to another division title, it could use more outside-the-box thinking like Arias used on Wednesday.
