Benintendi, Keuchel Win Gold Glove Awards

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Two former Razorbacks won the Gold Glove Award for their defensive wizardry.

Kansas City Royals outfielder Andrew Benintendi was the Gold Glove winner for American League left fielders, and Chicago White Sox pitcher Dallas Keuchel won the Gold Glove for AL pitchers. The Gold Glove Award is presented to the best defensive player at each position.

Benintendi’s first Gold Glove comes after he fielded .987 and committed only three errors in 1,116 innings while patrolling the outfield for the Royals. His seven defensive runs saved were first among AL left fielders and second among all MLB left fielders, behind only two-time Gold Glove Award winner Tyler O’Neill of the St. Louis Cardinals.

Keuchel, meanwhile, won his fifth Gold Glove in the past eight seasons. The left-handed hurler had a .980 fielding percentage in 162 innings while racking up 41 assists, committing only one error, turning three double plays and allowing just two stolen bases in six attempts. His 12 defensive runs saved were the most among all MLB pitchers.

Three former Razorbacks have won a total of nine Gold Glove Awards: Keuchel (5), catcher Tom Pagnozzi (3), Benintendi (1). Pagnozzi won three National League Gold Gloves with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1991, 1992 and 1994.