The Rays have had a charmed first month of the 2023 season, and plays like the one Wander Franco made against the Astros on Monday are what’s fueled such a dominant start.
With a 6–3 lead in the top of the fifth inning, Houston catcher Martín Maldonado lifted a ball down the left field line in foul territory. Franco covered a ton of ground and got himself in position to make the play, but overran it by a step or two. When his backhanded reach fell short, he resorted to his bare right hand to make the highlight-reel haul.
