Robles' amazing catch, throw Play of Week

August 31st, 2020

Nationals center fielder ' remarkable catch and throw for a double play against the Phillies on Tuesday has earned him the Play of the Week Award presented by Chevrolet.

In the top of the sixth inning of Tuesday's contest at Nationals Park, Robles chased down a deep drive off the bat of Philadelphia's Alec Bohm, twisting his body and stretching out his glove to make a leaping catch.

As his momentum carried him onto the warning track in deep center field -- just in front of the sign marking 402 feet from home plate -- Robles stopped, turned and fired a majestic 85 mph strike to first baseman Asdrúbal Cabrera to double off Jean Segura.

"I always try to keep my focus on the game, have the right mindset," Robles said after the game. "So I knew we had a runner on first base and in my mind, the whole time, if I was able to make a play, I knew that I was going to turn around and try to make a throw to first base to double him up. When I read the runner, I knew he was off enough for me to make the throw, and that's exactly what I did."

The 23-year-old speedster has put together an impressive highlight reel on defense in his brief career, and he led all players with +22 outs above average in 2019.

On Aug. 18, Robles robbed the Braves' Austin Riley of a go-ahead two-run homer by pulling off a soaring snow-cone grab at the wall at Truist Park.

"It's something I'm always ready for," Robles said. "It's something I've always been able to do and prepare pitch by pitch. I'm always set and ready."