Rays' Kevin Kiermaier named American League Gold Glove Award finalist

Rays' Kevin Kiermaier named American League Gold Glove Award finalist

Published Oct. 23, 2014 3:15 p.m. ET

Kevin Kiermaier became a surprise defensive standout for the Tampa Bay Rays this season, and he has received recognition for his impact.

Kiermaier, 24, was named an American League Gold Glove Award finalist among right fielders Thursday. The native of Fort Wayne, Indiana, grew into an everyday player for the Rays by late May and became known for his highlight-reel-worthy catches.

Kiermaier played 34 games with Triple-A Durham before joining the Rays for good. He received his opportunity in right field after Wil Myers, the 2013 AL Rookie of the Year, missed significant time with a fractured right wrist sustained May 30 at Fenway Park. Kiermaier finished batting .263 with 10 home runs and 35 RBI.

Other right-field AL Gold Glove Award finalists include the Los Angeles Angels' Kole Calhoun and the Baltimore Orioles' Nick Markakis. The Gold Glove Awards will be announced Nov. 4.

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You can follow Andrew Astleford on Twitter @aastleford or email him at aastleford@gmail.com.

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