Peter taking pride in defensive abilities
Oklahoma City Dodgers’ second baseman Jake Peter stood between first and second waiting for the ball to be put in play.
As the ball was struck, Peter dashed toward the ball.
It looked like the ball, a line drive to right center field, was out of reach.
But Peter dove as the ball rolled into his glove. Still sliding, Peter tossed the ball from his glove to second base as the Dodgers turned a double play.
“Helping the team out always feels good,” Peter said. “If you look at our entire lineup, we have a bunch of guys that can go out and get the ball and make some game changing plays.”
Plays like these have become the norm for Peter while playing second base. He’s a vacuum at the position, with hitters doing what they can to not hit his way.
It’s something he takes pride in.
“Being a guy that plays all over the diamond, I think that’s something I really need to focus on,” Peter said.
He usually plays second base, but the team has used him at third base, first base and in the outfield because of his fielding abilities.
Peter takes batting practice seriously, it helps it get focused on the game ahead the position he plans to play
“I think every day during batting practice you have to go out and get your work in,” Peter said. “It doesn’t necessarily have to be a ton of reps, but being late in the season, you just want to try to get what you need and get ready for the game.”
His fielding percentage is .981, and it continues to rise as he makes highlight play after highlight play.
Peter is hoping his defensive stats can give him the confidence to perform well at the plate.
“If I’m not having a good night offensively, I try to do what I can to help the team out defensively.”