Emmanuel Rodriguez gave the Twins another reminder Friday that his first two weeks in the majors have not been built only on power. The rookie left fielder, ranked as Minnesota’s No. 5 prospect, climbed at the wall in the seventh inning and took away what looked like an extra-base hit from Danny Jansen.
The result
With left-hander Kody Funderburk working the top of the seventh, Jansen got a 3-1 fastball he could drive and sent it deep toward left field. Rodriguez tracked the ball to the fence, timed his jump and made the catch at the wall.
It was a big defensive finish to the play, denying Jansen a potential extra-base knock. Rodriguez stayed down briefly after the catch, lying on his back with the ball secured in his glove, then pumped his fist before rising to celebrate again.
Rodriguez has already made noise at the plate, hitting three home runs through his first 13 big league games. Friday’s catch added another piece to the early impression: the rookie has brought some range, confidence and a little showmanship to left field as well.
