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Salvador Perez Steals Second Base, Ending Five-Year Drought

The unlikely theft set off a five-run second inning after Tigers catcher Eduardo Valencia rose without releasing a throw.

Overview

  • Perez successfully stole second in the bottom of the second inning on Sunday against the Detroit Tigers with Jacob Waguespack on the mound and John Rave at the plate.
  • Tigers catcher Eduardo Valencia stood up to make a play but never released the ball while shortstop Kevin McGonigle ran in, allowing Perez to slide safely into second.
  • The play was Perez’s seventh career stolen base, his first since July 21, 2021, and his first at Kauffman Stadium since July 20, 2017.
  • The crowd and Royals dugout erupted in celebration and Perez later scored on a Kyle Isbel single as the team posted a five-run second inning.
  • The moment stood out because Perez is a 36-year-old catcher with very limited speed metrics and few career steals, turning a novelty play into a tangible momentum boost for the Royals.