Correa honored for defensive wizardry at short

Astros shortstop Carlos Correa was rewarded with the second-ever MLB Play of the Week Award presented by W.B. Mason for his diving stop and throw against the Rangers last Tuesday.

Houston ace Justin Verlander held a 1-0 lead with two outs and a runner on third in the first inning when Rangers outfielder Nomar Mazara struck a one-hop grounder just to the right of second base. Correa was shaded behind the bag, but he still needed to make a quick-twitch, full-extension dive to corral Mazara’s grounder before hopping up and firing a strong 81.6 mph throw that beat the hustling Mazara by half a step at first base. Verlander got out with a clean inning, thanks in large part to Correa, though the Rangers went on to win the game, 6-4.

Correa has looked stronger and healthier recently after missing time with a back ailment in 2018 and appearing limited down the stretch. He is also making hard contact once again, slugging .481 through Sunday, and he figures to be a huge boost to Houston’s already-potent roster if he can once again make an All-Star level impact on both sides of the diamond.