Colorado Rockies: Randal Grichuk makes unbelievable catch

ARLINGTON, Texas — When the Colorado Rockies acquired Randal Grichuk in a trade with the Toronto Blue Jays in the offseason, there was plenty of talk about what the veteran outfielder would bring to the Rockies in terms of potential home run power. On Tuesday night in Texas, however, Grichuk reminded everyone that he could certainly play a little defense as well.

Colorado Rockies center fielder Randal Grichuk made a highlight reel catch as the expense of the Texas Rangers on Tuesday night

With the Colorado Rockies clinging to a 3-1 lead in the bottom of the fifth inning against the Texas Rangers, Jhoulys Chacín entered the game in relief of starter Chad Kuhl. With two men on base and two outs in the frame, Chacin threw a 1-0 pitch to Corey Seager. The Rangers’ star free agent acquisition turned on the pitch and powered it to right-center, seemingly giving the hosts the lead.

But then…

Grichuk’s catch completely changed the dynamics of the game. One day after the Rockies finished off a 6-4 decision in extra innings with a game-ending call that didn’t set well with the home faithful to grab the first game of the two-game series, Texas fans likely felt robbed again on Tuesday with Grichuk’s high-flying thievery.

The catch even caught the attention of new Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson, who has quickly immersed himself into the Denver sports scene, including throwing out the first pitch at Colorado’s Opening Day game last Friday against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Charlie Blackmon, who was near Grichuk when he made the catch, also highly approved of the play.

Call it “the Grich who stole a home run” or whatever you like. Just call it a key defensive moment and highlight reel play for the Colorado Rockies early in the season.

From the clubhouse

Randal Grichuk on the catch: “I was shaded oppo (opposite field) and I knew he got it well. I knew I was going to have a chance. Luckily, he hit it high enough to give me a chance to get under it. I didn’t really quite know where the wall was, but I knew I was approaching it. It was one that I just knew I had to jump at that time.”

You always get the question of, ‘What’s better, hitting a homer or robbing a home run? I think, honestly, robbing a homer is better because someone else is connected to that — the pitcher.”

Manager Bud Black: “Our dugout went crazy. That was the play of the game even though it was the fifth inning.”

Pitcher Chad Kuhl: “Unbelievable. I think that was the first time I’ve ever sprinted out of the dugout to go see a player. I don’t know what the heck happened, but it was a huge moment in the game. It was a game-saving catch, literally. One of the best catches I’ve ever seen.”