With a runner on base and two outs in the top of the third inning on Wednesday night, the Detroit Tigers were trying to reclaim a lead in 2-2 game and had the right guy on the bases in Rajai Davis, one of the league's fastest players and most accomplished base-stealers.
To get something going, Davis took off to try to steal second base but he must've forgotten neither Chris Gimenez nor Bobby Wilson were behind the plate for the Rangers. Bless both of them, but neither are particularly gifted at throwing out base runners at second base.
Robinson Chirinos, on the other hand, is, and he was back in the Rangers' starting lineup for only the second time this month — and second time since July — after battling through shoulder fatigue and spending more than a month on the disabled list.
Chirinos made a perfect throw to Rougned Odor, who tagged Davis out with ease — no drama, whatsoever, it was clear he was out. And the Rangers were out of the inning shortly before exploding a four-run third inning to take control of the game.
And who helped spark that four-run third? None other than Chirinos, of course. The veteran catcher led off the inning with a laser shot into the visiting bullpen — his 10th homer of the year in just 75 games.
It was a welcomed return for Chirinos, and if he can provide that kind stability behind the plate along with the occasional big hit, that's going to be a big boost for the Rangers as they head into the playoffs next week.
