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Rays journal: Kevin Kiermaier plays it safe by not trying to take on outfield wall

MIAMI — Why didn't CF Kevin Kiermaier catch the sixth-inning drive by the Marlins' J.T. Riddle that scored their first run and set up their second?

Because he didn't want to risk injury.

Missing three chunks of three straight seasons seems to have Kiermaier thinking about playing it safe rather than once again being sorry.

Kiermaier, who ran a long way starting from left-center, said he pulled up in pursuit to avoid a high-impact collision with the Marlins Park wall. The ball landed — always surprisingly when Kiermaier has it in his sights somewhat awkwardly— for an RBI triple, with Riddle then scoring on a ground out.