In that play, Padres pitcher Dinelson Lamet grounded a ball softly to beleaguered Tigers’ starter Anibal Sanchez. With a runner on second and no one out, Sanchez thought he had a play at third base to get the runner heading over there, instead of taking the easy out at first base. He spun, fired to third, and promptly threw the ball into left field, scoring the first run of the game, en route to a Padres victory.
Of course, it wasn’t the most embarrassing thing that happened this past week-plus. Former Tigers’ closer Francisco Rodriguez complained to the media about the way his bullpen role was handled, and then promptly gave up three home runs including a grand slam to Mariners’ second baseman Robinson Cano in his final appearances.