AL Wild Card game: Geovany Soto exits with thumb injury, Derek Norris in at catcher
By Hayden Kane
The Oakland Athletics started Geovany Soto at catcher in the American League Wild Card game instead of Derek Norris. They made that decision because of Soto’s defense. Unfortunately for Soto, his night was short-lived due to a thumb injury.
More from MLB Postseason
- World Series MVP winners: Full list
- When do the MLB Playoffs start?
- MLB Playoffs 2023 format, key dates, predictions and more
- Rodriguez, Harris II earn 2022 AL, NL Rookie of the Year honors in historic voting
- Astros World Series championship swag: Here’s where to buy
In the bottom of the first inning, Billy Butler of the Royals was on first base while Eric Hosmer was on third. To the surprise of everybody watching, Butler took off for second base. In case you need a reminder, that man’s nickname is “Country Breakfast.” That’s not because he’s fleet, if you know what I mean.
Lester picked off Butler and he got hung up between first and second. Trying to make the best of a bad situation, Hosmer took off for home. The A’s cut him down, but the tag on that play injured Soto’s thumb.
Geovany Soto is out with a left thumb injury. Derek Norris will take over at catcher. #OAKvsKC #ALWildcard
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 1, 2014
With Norris in the lineup, the A’s have more on offense but less on defense behind the plate. That said, Soto was catching Lester for the first time so the familiarity between Lester and Norris might cancel that factor out to an extent.
More from FanSided.com
MLB: Previewing the Wild Card match-ups
MLB Power Rankings: Final regular season rankings for 2014
MLB: Most meaningful stats and facts from the 2014 season