Atlanta Braves outfielder Sam Hilliard, filling in for the injured Michael Harris II, made an incredible catch to rob Manny Machado of a home run.
The Atlanta Braves have had a good start to their 2023 season, but they have been hammered by injuries. One of the more notable injuries was to center fielder Michael Harris II, who re-aggravated a back injury suffered in the team’s Apr. 6 game against the San Diego Padres. Since then, outfielder Sam Hilliard received an increase in playing time. He’s putting up good numbers in the batter’s box, and as evidenced on Wednesday, making plays in the outfield.
Facing the Padres, Braves starting pitcher Charlie Morton appeared to have given up a two-run homer to third baseman Manny Machado. Just by looking at Morton’s reaction, it felt like the baseball was landing into the stands at Petco Park. It certainly looked that way, but then Hilliard leapt and extended his glove over the outfield wall to make the catch and rob Machado of a homer.
Watch Sam Hilliard rob Manny Machado of homer with web gem catch
That homer would have extended San Diego’s lead to 3-0, but Hilliard put a stop to it. Unfortunately for Atlanta, they were unable to put a single run on the board the entire game, and lost 1-0.
Prior to the season, Hilliard was acquired by the Braves from the Colorado Rockies in exchange for pitcher Dylan Spain. Last year, he recorded a .184 batting average, a .280 on-base percentage, a .264 slugging percentage, two home runs, 14 RBI, 26 runs scored, 32 hits, 57 strikeouts and 23 walks in 70 games with the Rockies. So far with the Braves, Hilliard has been contributing at the plate.
Entering this game, Hilliard had recorded a .345 batting average, .457 on-base percentage, .552 slugging percentage, one home run, two RBI, eight runs scored, 10 hits, six walks and 14 strikeouts in 12 games.
In the game on Wednesday, Hilliard went 2-for-3 at the plate and struck out just once.
While Harris is progressing from his injury, Hilliard is filling in and making some really good plays filling in for him.