Atlanta Braves shortstop Andrelton Simmons showed off some of the most incredible arm strength you will ever see on Wednesday night. During the second inning of Atlanta’s 4-3 win over the New York Mets, Simmons lost his balance while making a backhanded play in the hole between shortstop and third base. He still somehow managed to throw out Travis d’Arnaud at first.
Freddie Freeman made a great stretch on the other end to complete what was a phenomenal play all around. Replays appeared to show that d’Arnaud actually beat the throw, but we almost always see umpires give the fielder the benefit of the doubt when they make a play like that.
But what about instant replay? With the new replay rules that are in place, Mets manager Terry Collins could have challenged the play. Considering there were two outs in the second inning and he had the bottom of the order coming up, Collins didn’t bother. I wouldn’t be surprised if he was also being respectful of a great play.
