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The Angels got some more good awards news when it was announced they have two 2021 Rawlings Gold Glove Award finalists on Thursday. David Fletcher and Jared Walsh received American League finalist nods at second and first base, respectively.
A win by either fielder would be a first in their young careers.
Fletcher came off an excellent defensive campaign where he ranked first among AL second basemen in outs above average with +9 and second with 12 defensive runs saved. Fletcher committed only six errors in 142 games at second base and finished the season with a .990 fielding percentage.
Whit Merrifield of the Kansas City Royals and Marcus Semien of the Toronto Blue Jays were also named finalists at the position.
Tough play by David Fletcher to get the out at first! #WeBelieve
— Bally Sports (@BallySports) September 2, 2021
(via @BallySportWest)pic.twitter.com/Pg39r5A2A1
Walsh, an All-Star this season, showed impressive range all year. After replacing Albert Pujols at first base, he provided solid defense and athleticism at the position. In 128 games at first base, Walsh committed only five errors and had a fielding percentage of .995.
The other two AL Gold Glove Award finalists at first base are Oakland A’s’ 2x-Gold Glove winner Matt Olson and Yuli Gurriel of the Houston Astros.
What a play by Jared Walsh! pic.twitter.com/dKAYVhw4qL
— Halos Heaven (@halosheaven) September 18, 2021
The Gold Glove Award winners will be revealed at 5:30 p.m. PT on Sunday, Nov. 7 on ESPN.