How does Tigers outfielder Ryan Raburn keep finding himself in these odd positions against Seattle? Tuesday, Raburn made the worst outfield blunder since Jose Canseco head-butted a fly-ball over the fence, when he seemingly pushed a ball out of the field of play with his glove in an effort to make a so-so catch as far as highlights are concerned.
Raburn was unavailable for comment after the game, but manager Jim Leyland did his best to work sympathy.
"He didn't really see the ball," Leyland told MLB.com. "It was tough to see for him. He didn't see it, and it hit off the heel of his glove and went over the fence. I mean, that's baseball. I don't have any problem with that."
(Watch the play again here)
If you recall, when the Tigers visited Seattle nearly two weeks ago, Raburn became the first player to hit a ball that reached the roof of Safeco Field, when his foul pop nailed a truss.
Safeco Field's site says the following of such a hit:
"A batted ball hitting a roof truss in foul territory is a foul ball, regardless of where it lands or is touched by a fielder. If caught by a fielder, the batter is out and the base runners advance at their own risk."
Wonder how many in attendance knew the verbiage of that one without checking. Safeco Field has been open longer than Comerica Park and this has never happened.
Can you guess who nearly caught the redirected foul ball? Miguel Olivo. The same guy who benefitted from Raburn's blunder at Comerica Park earlier this week.