The Arizona Diamondbacks were ahead only of the Washington Nationals in the National League in fielding percentage. GM Josh Byrnes and manager AJ Hinch have both said that this was unacceptable, and that fundamentals were going to be worked on this spring. Judging by this marvelous photograph of infielder Rusty Ryal, taken by Charlie Leight of The Arizona Republic, there may be some work still to do...
And This Is Why We Have Spring Training...
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↵According to Leight, the fielders were working on what happens when balls get hit back to the mound, and Ryal was on third, when the pitcher threw to him. I’m fairly sure that blocking the ball with your face is not in the manual, but the good news is, Ryal recovered, and still got the ball in time to tag the runner who was advancing from second.
↵Mind you, given regular 3B Mark Reynolds’ fondness for reckless abandon, perhaps Rusty reckons he’s got to prove his hardcore credentials to make the roster. Or perhaps Ryal was simply taking to heart his coach’s advice to keep his eyes on the ball?
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