Fletcher beats out Betts for week's best play

August 17th, 2020

Angels infielder has earned the MLB Play of the Week Award presented by Chevrolet for his backhand stop and incredible off-balance throw to nab Dodgers outfielder at first base Saturday night.

Filling in at shortstop with four-time Gold Glove Award winner Andrelton Simmons on the injured list, Fletcher ranged onto the outfield grass to glove Betts’ grounder in the top of the fourth inning and fired a strike to first baseman Tommy La Stella as his momentum carried him toward the left-field foul line.

Fletcher’s throw beat Betts by a half-step. According to Statcast, Betts had a sprint speed of 29.6 feet/second on the play, well above the MLB average (27 feet/second) and close to the elite mark of 30 feet/second.

Fletcher has bounced around the diamond for the Halos over the past three years, seeing time at second base, third base and shortstop, as well as in the outfield. In addition to the value he provides on defense, the 26-year-old is also one of MLB’s best contact hitters. Fletcher is working on a 15-game hitting streak and has struck out just 12 times in 103 plate appearances this season.