Boston Red Sox third baseman Will Middlebrooks could be seen favoring his left arm after being thrown out at third base in the 10th inning of Sunday’s 3-2 loss to the Oakland A’s, but he assured reporters after the game that any injury he suffered on the play was not serious.
“I’m fine,” he said, via WEEI.com. “It just kind of zinged me. I’m fine. I’m not hurt.”
Middlebrooks was trying to advance to third on a Jackie Bradley Jr. ground ball after singling and taking second on an error to lead off the bottom of the 10th. His decision to run was a smart one, as Bradley’s grounder was hit to the right side of the infield, but A’s first baseman Daric Barton — who was drawn in on the play — quickly scooped up the ball and fired a perfect strike to third baseman Josh Donaldson to nab Middlebrooks.
“First baseman was in, but at that point in the game, I’m trying to make something happen, I’m trying to get over there so it’s easier to drive me in,” Middlebrooks said. “Tough play. The guy made a good play. Unfortunately, I was out.”
A’s closer Jim Johnson proceeded to induce an inning-ending double play off the bat of Dustin Pedroia to salvage the finale of the three-game series for Oakland. Yoenis Cespedes’ bases-loaded infield single off Red Sox reliever Chris Capuano in the top of the 10th proved to be the game-winner.
Video screenshot via MLB.com
