Los Angeles Dodgers prospect Devin Mann was credited with his 14th home run of the season earlier this week despite his fly ball initially being caught.
In the fourth inning of the series finale against the Sacramento River Cats, Mann drove a pitch to deep right-center field that was hauled in by Bryce Johnson. However, as Johnson’s momentum carried him into the fence in center field, the ball came loose from his glove and landed in the bullpen area.
Despite Johnson taking a handful of steps after making the catch, umpires gave Mann a home run because of the ball coming loose. That put Triple-A Oklahoma City up three runs in an eventual 6-4 win.
Mann went 1-for-4 with one walk in the game.
His odd home run was somewhat reminiscent of the Dodgers having a home run taken away from them on Opening Day of the 2021 season because of confusion between Justin Turner and Cody Bellinger.
After Turner singled, Bellinger lifted a deep fly ball to left field. Raimel Tapia appeared to have a read on it and did manage to temporarily make the catch. However, he lost control of the ball upon colliding with the fence, and it carried into the stands.
Turner didn’t notice Tapia dropped the ball over the fence, and retreated toward first base. Bellinger did recognize he had a home run and briefly passed Turner on the basepaths.
Umpires determined Bellinger hit an RBI single but also was out on the play, while Turner got to round the bases to score.
“The explanation I got was a ball that ultimately went out of the ballpark, but Cody let the runner past him,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said after the loss.
“So when that happens, the batter is automatically out. … I don’t think there’s blame to be placed. Cody was coming out of the box hard, which he should’ve, and he’s kind of looking at where the ball is at.
“Justin was just passed second base, and when he saw the ball in Tapia’s glove, he retreated and put his head down to get back and not potentially get doubled up. At that point in time they just kind of got crossed.”
Devin Mann leading Oklahoma City Dodgers
Mann enters play Wednesday leading OKC in home runs along with 91 hits, 32 doubles and 64 RBI. He’s hit safely five games in a row and 14 of the last 16.
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