Rougned Odor slid hard into second base, prompting a comical reaction from Indians second baseman Jason Kipnis.
After slugging Toronto Blue Jays’ star Jose Bautista right in the kisser, Rougned Odor has established himself as a guy not to be messed with.
Cleveland Indians second baseman Jason Kipnis has certainly taken notice. After a hard slide in a blowout game, Kipnis jokingly backed away from Odor, inciting laughs from the Ranger bench.
Odor certainly did slide hard, but it wasn’t malicious. Given the Chase Utley rule, it’s become less common for hard and clean slides at second base, but Odor was within the rules. Kipnis managed to impressively complete the double play, anyways.
No harm, no foul. It’s good to see guys playing the game hard and still having fun. Remember, these athletes once grew up probably playing ball in the street until darkness fell. It may be a much bigger stage, but their love of the game seemingly has remained constant.
Judging by the reaction of Odor and the rest of the Ranger dugout, it looks like Kipnis is on their good side (for now, at least).
Well played, Mr. Kipnis. I wouldn’t want to catch a right cross from Odor, either.
