He’s been an unsung hero for the KC Royals. He made 2 more big plays Tuesday
While Kansas City Royals starter Kris Bubic dazzled on the mound Tuesday, it was a quiet night for the KC offense in a 2-1 loss to the Houston Astros.
Bubic wasn’t the only bright spot, though. Backup catcher Freddy Fermin found a way to create a key moment.
Or two, actually.
In the fourth inning, Fermin threw out the Astros’ Jake Meyers attempting to steal second base. He received a four-seam fastball and fired down to second baseman Jonathan India. Fermin admitted the throw was a little high, but he made sure to give India a chance to make the swipe tag.
“I saw him running and I was prepared,” Fermin said. “I threw a little up but India did a good job right there and touched Meyers. Like I said, I’m ready for any time. Seeing guys in the league, they don’t run too much on me. But, you know, I’ve got to be ready for those moments.”
Initially, Meyers was called safe by second base umpire Edwin Moscoso. The Royals challenged the play and replay showed that India did get the tag down in time.
Fermin added an RBI single the following frame. Manager Matt Quatraro felt it was a good sequence from the backup catcher — who has had a promising season thus far.
“He looked like he was out to me,” Quatraro said of Fermin’s throw to catch Meyers. “I’m glad we had (the) review. Freddie puts good at-bats together all the time and he is one of the guys that uses the whole field. He knows what the situation is and what it calls for. He is able to shoot the (baseball through) the hole often.”
Fermin has carved out a key role with the Royals. He is a trusted option to spell Salvador Perez behind the plate. This season, Fermin is batting .250 (20-for-80) with a home run and six RBIs.
The Royals also value Fermin’s defense. Last season, he finished as a Rawlings Gold Glove finalist at the catcher position after posting a fielding run value of six in 111 games.
“I’ve thrown a lot of innings to him over the years,” Bubic said. “He’s great back there. He calls a great game and receives really well. And as you saw, he throws runners out really well.”
