A Dodgers bat boy may have made the catch of the season.
The Dodgers' $700-million superstar Shohei Ohtani was in the dugout and getting ready to walk to the on-deck circle during Wednesday night's game against the lowly White Sox in Chicago when an errant baseball bounced his way. In video bound for viral fame, bat boy and long-time Dodgers employee Javier Herrera caught the ball with his bare hands as Ohtani ducked for cover behind him.
Javi’s reaction speed saved Sho. 😳 pic.twitter.com/RDH0NQN3H0
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) June 27, 2024
Ohtani's interpreter Will Ireton can be seen in the background, wide-eyed with his jaw dropped over what just happened and Herrera's split-second reaction. Manager Dave Robert walked over to applaud Herrera, who turned and fist-bumped Ohtani.
Get Southern California news, weather forecasts and entertainment stories to your inbox. Sign up for NBC LA newsletters.
"Javi's reaction speed saved Sho," the Dodgers posted on X with video of the slick grab.
The Dodgers went on to win 4-0.
Ohtani set a franchise record when he smacked a leadoff home run to start the game, his 10th straight with at least one RBI.
