Statcast of the Day: Buxton robs HR by leaps and astounds

MINNEAPOLIS — Highlight-reel catches have become a common occurrence for Twins rookie center fielder Byron Buxton, but he made one of his best catches of the season to rob Seattle’s Nelson Cruz of a potential three-run homer in the third inning of the Mariners’ 10-1 victory Friday night.

Cruz crushed a 2-2 fastball from right-hander Kyle Gibson to dead center, but Buxton raced back to the wall and made a leaping grab to end the inning. Gibson watched with awe from the mound and gave a fist bump after he saw Buxton came up with the run-saving catch.

“Unreal,” Gibson said. “He saved the game and the night for the time being. He makes so many plays. Not that he made it look real easy, but he got back there so quick to make that play.”

Buxton had a first step of 0.47 seconds, covering 94 feet with a route efficiency of 98.3 percent, per Statcast™. He also reached 17.1 mph, which is far from his top speed, as he …

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