Kiermaier: I took fly ball from Arozarena due to my 'unique' skill set

Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Kevin Kiermaier said he ran in front of teammate Randy Arozarena to make a catch on Tuesday because he had a better chance to make a play at home.

Kiermaier ran 109 feet on the fly ball by Oakland Athletics slugger Mitch Moreland but was unable to throw out the runner at home.

"I'm in a unique position with what my defensive skill set is, and I'll never shy away from that. I believe I'm the best defensive outfielder in the game," Kiermaier said postgame, according to Adam Berry of MLB.com. "I'd put my talents up with anyone, and I'm very confident in saying that.

"On the play, I always tell my outfielders - especially when there's a sac fly situation - I tell them, 'Hey, if I can get to this area, I'm throwing.' ... And that play right there, Mitch Moreland had enough height on it where I knew right away, I could get behind it and work my momentum back towards the plate."

Kiermaier, who owns three Gold Gloves, acknowledged that Arozarena probably wasn't happy about the decision.

"I can't sit here and assume, because I haven't talked to him, but it's gonna be a tough convo because he might not see eye-to-eye about it forever," Kiermaier said. "And I can plead my case. He can plead his. My arm feels really good, feels really powerful."

Arozarena didn't comment on the play but looked visibly upset on the field after it happened.