One occasionally overlooked element in the A’s surge this season has been catcher Jonathan Lucroy’s impact on defense, specifically throwing out opposing baserunners.
The latest example occurred during Monday night’s 9-0 victory over Texas. Rangers leadoff hitter Shin-Soo Choo, after starting the game with a walk, soon tried to steal second.
Choo got a great jump on pitcher Mike Fiers. No matter: Lucroy unleashed a perfect throw, arriving in shortstop Marcus Semien’s glove right on the base and barely in time to nail Choo.
Lucroy has thrown out 22 potential base stealers this season, most in the majors.