TEMPE, Ariz. — Angels shortstop José Iglesias has made several incredible plays this spring, and he made yet another Wednesday against Kansas City, robbing Royals catcher Cam Gallagher of a hit with a tremendous play in the third inning of a 4-2 win at Tempe Diablo Stadium.
Gallagher hit a ball up the middle, but Iglesias made a sliding stop to his left and threw from the ground with enough on it to get Gallagher at first. It was a play that amazed Angels manager Joe Maddon, who has been more than impressed with Iglesias’ defense this spring. Iglesias also made two memorable plays earlier in camp.
“How about that?” Maddon said. “After the play, I wrote down, ‘What’s more inspiring, a grand slam or a play like that?’ That’s one of those impossible things. I don’t know how he threw it. I’d have to watch that one in slow-motion because it really was an incredible play.”
Acquired in an offseason trade with the Orioles, Iglesias also started a double play on a popup to left on March 7, making a running grab and then flipping the ball behind his back to left fielder Justin Upton, who threw to second to double off the runner. It came a day after he threw out Seattle’s Kyle Lewis on a slow roller, on which he barehanded the ball and threw it to first in time while diving to the ground.
His latest play also helped Angels lefty José Quintana turn in yet another strong outing, as he allowed two runs (one earned) on four hits over 4 1/3 innings. He’s allowed just one earned run in 14 innings this spring for a 0.64 ERA.
“It feels great,” said Quintana, who threw 87 pitches. “I threw more pitches than last time. I feel healthy and like myself. I feel really good, and I’m excited for this season. I want to show my stuff this season.”