Detroit Tigers

Ian Kinsler intentionally drops pop fly to make brilliant play

Published Apr. 17, 2016 6:31 p.m. ET

Nick Schwartz

With the Detroit Tigers trailing Houston 5-3 in the fifth inning Sunday, the Astros had a man on first with one out and the chance to extend the lead. Tyler White popped a ball up just short the basepath between first and second for what should have been an easy catch, but Tigers second baseman Ian Kinsler didn't even try to catch the ball and let it drop at his feet.

Ian Kinsler is out here playing chess. https://t.co/NGqyUB47xw pic.twitter.com/FNICW8Klzu
— MLB GIFS (@MLBGIFs) April 17, 2016

By turning a pop fly into a what is essentially a routine groundout, Kinsler was actually helping his team. Making the out at second instead of catching White's popup, Kinsler made sure that Colby Rasmus - who is a more dangerous baserunner than White - is off the field. The Astros were unhappy with the play, but the infield fly rule didn't take effect because there was only one runner on base.