Athletics center fielder Denzel Clarke made what was arguably the catch of the season Monday night, climbing the wall to rob the Angels’ Nolan Schanuel of a would-be home run.
It’s the latest in a string of highlight-reel catches for the 25-year-old rookie, who is playing in just his 16th big-league game.
Just three days ago, Clarke made a highlight-reel running catch, injuring his shoulder while running into the center-field wall to rob Baltimore’s Jorge Mateo of a would-be base hit. For that play, he was awarded MLB’s Play of the Week award.
Clarke’s play against the Angels on Monday came in the first inning. Schanuel crushed a ball that appeared ticketed to go well over the left-center field wall. Instead, Clarke tracked it, leapt, and used the wall to elevate his glove to make the play. Schanuel looked in stunned silence before going back to the dugout.
JJ Bleday, a former top prospect, had been the A’s everyday center fielder before being demoted when Clarke was called up. However, Bleday struggled mightily on offense and is batting just .196. He’s returned to the big-league roster but has moved over to left field.
Clarke, drafted by the A’s out of Cal State Northridge in the fourth round in 2021, rose through the prospect ranks early in his career, even playing in the Futures Game in 2022. He’s known for his speed, snagging 36 stolen bases in Double A last season.
(Photo: Scott Marshall / Associated Press)