Kevin Kiermaier and Randy Arozarena had a weird moment in the outfield during a game tied 1-1 in the sixth. A routine sac fly to left should have been Arozarena’s play. He called for it, got behind it, and had momentum lined up to throw home. But Kiermaier, playing center, sprinted all the way across the field, cut off his own teammate, took the ball, fired home, and missed the out. Oakland scored. After the play, both players looked visibly frustrated. Arozarena shook his head, probably stunned. Kiermaier chewed gum and walked off like nothing happened.
After the game, Kiermaier gave a long, confident, and strange explanation. He called himself the best defensive outfielder in baseball and said if a sac fly goes into the area he thinks he can reach, it’s his to take. He admitted the play didn’t work out but blamed Arozarena a bit for not getting out of his way. Still, he tried to walk it back, saying Randy had the right to make the play too. Kiermaier said he’d do it again and would talk to Randy later. The whole situation was bizarre—on the field and in the interview—but one thing’s clear: Kiermaier’s confidence isn’t going anywhere.