McCann adds to repertoire with nifty grab

DETROIT -- Catcher James McCann may have had some Tigers fans double-checking their scorecards during Wednesday's series finale against the Brewers at Comerica Park.

In the fifth inning of Detroit's eventual 5-2 win, McCann leaped into the netting behind home plate to snag a Martin Maldonado foul fly for the third out. It was a play reminiscent of one Alex Avila made last September -- and has done other times throughout his career -- when he used the backstop as cushioning following an acrobatic grab.

"The longer you play in a stadium, the more used to the netting you get," Tigers manager Brad Ausmus said, "but [McCann] certainly hasn't played at Comerica very much. Every out seems to be big for us right now, so it was a big play."

Avila is out indefinitely as he recovers from a loose body in his left knee while avoiding surgery, but McCann has been a solid backup. The 24-year-old is hitting .282 in 24 games and has thrown out seven attempted basestealers.

On Wednesday, in addition to nabbing Carlos Gomez trying to swipe second base, he flashed another weapon in his defensive arsenal.

Video: DET@STL: Cespedes throws out Peralta trying to score

The catch wasn't McCann's first highlight-reel play behind the dish. Against St. Louis on Sunday, he applied a putout tag on Jhonny Peralta following a scoop of Yoenis Cespedes' strong throw from left field.