A 1-handed bat catch off the netting -- really!

Nats' Escobar makes impressive snag on flying lumber while in dugout

September 18th, 2021

In Alcides Escobar’s eight years with the Royals, he became known for his defense. He has an American League Gold Glove Award to show for it.

Now with the Nationals, Escobar’s skills seem to translate beyond the shortstop position, however, if his work in Friday night's 9-8 loss to the Rockies at Nationals Park is anything to go by.

Washington infielder Luis García was facing Colorado right-hander Carlos Estévez when he lost his grip on a whiff. García's bat flew into the netting above the Nats' dugout before falling into a crowd of teammates, giving Escobar an opportunity to make a slick one-handed grab on the falling lumber.

Escobar, who was out of the Majors in 2019 and '20, has made plenty of sparkling plays since joining the Nationals in July. But even so, this one could probably lead his '21 highlight reel.