Jonathan Davis provided a catch-of-the-year candidate for the Milwaukee Brewers in the second inning Wednesday, robbing Tampa Bay’s Randy Arozarena of extra bases and putting his own health at risk in the process.
The outstretched snag included a headfirst finish into the outfield wall, prompting many reactions of awe and concern.
“I was just hoping he wasn’t dead at first,” Brewers pitcher Eric Lauer said.
Davis stayed in the game but was removed in the third inning with lower back and rib cage discomfort. His departure loomed larger when Jace Peterson — who’s mostly played infield this season but checked in to replace Davis and moved to right field — couldn’t flag down a two-out bloop double from Taylor Walls that allowed the Rays to take the lead in the fourth.
More Jonathan Davis coverage: Brewers newcomer Jonathan Davis can run ’em down in center field
The 30-year-old Davis arrived to the big-league team 10 days ago as a roster replacement for Lorenzo Cain, who was designated for assignment by the Brewers, and has flashed impressive leather in center field. But this was another level.
Will it indeed live on as one of the greatest catches in Brewers history or fade from memory the way even many top-flight catches have, like Billy McKinney’s last year?
Where does that Jonathan Davis catch rank among other Jonathan Davis catches?
“Of course it’s up there.”
In just over a week with the Brewers, Davis continues to impact games. pic.twitter.com/OS3J34eC9W
— Curt Hogg (@CyrtHogg) June 29, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ + some.
Catch of the year and just as incredible, he’s staying in the game. https://t.co/wtQ1A8qOjm— Sophia Minnaert (@SophiaMinnaert) June 29, 2022
Wow @3_JonathanDavis What a catch! Saw him when he was in AA and AAA with the Blue Jays in 2017, 2018, and 2019. He’s always been an elite center field defender. And everyone will tell you he’s a tremendous teammate and person. Another value find by @Brewers front office!
— Vinny Rottino (@VinnyRottino) June 29, 2022
Good thing they are not at Wrigley Field.
— Jacob Flora (@JacobFlora8) June 29, 2022
JR Radcliffe can be reached at (262) 361-9141 or jradcliffe@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @JRRadcliffe.
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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Jonathan Davis makes crazy catch for Brewers vs. Tampa Bay Rays