The New York Yankees’ High-A affiliate of the Hudson Valley Renegades’ shortstop Roc Riggio made news on Thursday night with his unthinkable defensive work. During the game against the Aberdeen IronBirds, the Baltimore Orioles’ High-A affiliate, he did an incredible play in the top of the seventh inning.
With the IronBirds threatening and runners on second and first, the Renegades managed to escape a precarious situation thanks to a stunning play by the Yankees prospect Riggio. When Aberdeen’s Creed Willems sent a shallow pop-up hovering towards center field, Riggio, determined to make the play, charged in but collided with center fielder Nelson Medina just before the catch could be secured.
The impact sent the Yankees prospect tumbling into the ground. However, showcasing remarkable poise under pressure, Riggio, while lying on his back, flipped the ball back toward the infield in one smooth motion. First baseman Josh Moylan, covering second base, snatched the ball and secured the out, completing a game-saving double play.
Speaking to MiLB.com after the game, the Yankees prospect explained his thought process. Despite backtracking on the play, Riggio instinctively chased the ball, assuming another outfielder would call it off. Knowing outfielders typically drift downwards for such pop-ups, he gambled on Medina doing the same, creating an opportunity for him to make the catch. For Riggio, the approach was simple – go all out and never give up on the play.
This heads-up play by the 21-year-old Riggio ranked as the Yankees‘ No. 18 prospect by MLB.com (drafted in the fourth round of the 2023 draft from Oklahoma State University), proved to be a turning point. The Renegades eventually secured the win in dramatic fashion with a walk-off wild pitch, capping off a thrilling night of minor league baseball.
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