Urshela unleashes spectacular jump-throw

CLEVELAND -- Indians third baseman Giovanny Urshela made quite a play against the Yankees on Tuesday night during the Tribe's 5-4 win.

With the Tribe leading, 2-0, speedy Brett Gardner led off the fourth inning for the Yanks by hitting a ground ball right down the third-base line, which Urshela snagged while his momentum carried him into foul territory. He took one more step, turned, jumped and delivered a throw that beat Gardner to first by a full step.

"That kind of looked like that Brooks Robinson play way back," Indians manager Terry Francona said. "That was a heck of a play. Especially with Brett Gardner running. That was some kind of play."

According to Statcast™, Urshela made his first step in 0.21 seconds and covered nearly 14 feet with a route efficiency of 99.6 percent.

From 2012-14, Indians third basemen accrued -37 Defensive Runs Saved, third-worst among all Major League teams. Urshela was called up largely to inject a defensive boost to the left side of Cleveland's infield, alongside top prospect Francisco Lindor, and Tuesday night's play showcased his abilities at the hot corner.

Among 32 third basemen with at least 400 innings played this season, Urshela ranks fourth in average top speed (11.4 mph), fourth in average arm strength to first base (75 mph), seventh in average exchange time (1.6 seconds) and ninth in average first-step time (1.9 seconds).

"I know he has a great arm," said Indians left fielder Michael Brantley, who delivered a walk-off single in the 16th inning. "I've been watching him all year. He's been making great plays, on the run, backhand plays. That was pretty special right there. A fast runner like Gardner running down the baseline, too, didn't have much time. Great play. Phenomenal."