Which Orioles player would be best at catching a squirrel? We asked.

DETROIT — When a scout evaluates a player, they often note standout attributes such as agility, quick-twitch movements and guile. They look at all that in a baseball sense — those attributes can translate to a player’s fielding and baserunning.

Little did they know, those same attributes may be required in squirrel-catching endeavors on the field.

On the 20-to-80 scouting grade scale, with 80 the best, Orioles outfielder Leody Taveras may have a 20. When the opportunity arose in the seventh inning of Monday’s win at Comerica Park against the Tigers — when a wayward squirrel galivanted through the outfield and led dozens of grounds crew members on a prolonged chase to capture the critter — Taveras tried to help.

The squirrel ran toward him. Taveras put his glove down as if he was filling in as an emergency third baseman again. He did much better as an infielder; when the squirrel leaped, Taveras accidentally caught it near the heel of his glove, lifted it into the air and flipped it over.

The squirrel, unharmed, continued the race through the outfield for another minute before a grounds crew member tossed a towel over it, snatched it and ran off the field. A Tigers spokesperson said the squirrel was in good health and was released outside the stadium.

In the clubhouse after Monday’s victory, Orioles players were in hysterics as they watched the MLB Network replay of Taveras’ attempted capture. It led one Banner reporter to consider: Which player would be the best in a one-on-one squirrel situation?

Man vs. Squirrel: the ultimate duel of agility and speed.

Here is the breakdown of selections, with some individuals voting for more than one player.

Gunnar Henderson, from Selma, Alabama, is the heavy favorite. Shane Baz received backing, as well.

And here is the reasoning behind those choices.

Manager Craig Albernaz: “Oh, yeah. I’m going Gunnar. Gunnar. He’s fast, quick on his feet, agile. You know, raised in Alabama. I’m sure he’s not afraid to get his hands dirty.

“I’ll take it a step further. If we’re going anyone on our team, coaching staff included, it’s Joe Singley. The dude used to hunt pythons in Miami and wrangle snakes. So, I trust him to get a squirrel. That’s a fact, by the way.”

Outfielder Colton Cowser: “I feel like I could’ve gotten the job done, but if we’re going to be straight up, probably Gunnar. Probably Gunnar. He knows how to track them.”

Infielder Jackson Holliday: “I mean, I thought Leody put in a good effort last night. I think Gunnar. Gunnar’s got giant paws, so he’s probably a good one. I’d love to watch [Dylan] Beavers try to catch one. But probably Gunnar. Cowser would probably end up getting bitten by it, but he’d get it done.”

Infielder Gunnar Henderson: “I mean, I’m just trying to think who I think would remotely have a chance. I feel like Shane [Baz] would be good at it, but I’m going to choose myself. I can figure it out. I can definitely figure it out, I feel like, a lot better than some guys. I feel like he [Baz] would probably be a good second choice.”

Right-hander Shane Baz: “It’s me. Easily. I’ve got experience with wildlife. Just a lot of hunting and fishing, and grew up on land where there were snakes and raccoons and squirrels and you name it. Bobcats. I think I’m catching it first, 100%. And I’m not scared to touch it.”

Right-hander Brandon Young: “Shane Baz. Actually, I take that back. Since he said himself, I’m going to take that back. Pete Alonso.”

Right-hander Rico Garcia: “Uhhh, I’ll give it to Leo [Leody Taveras]. I’m giving him a second chance. I think Leo.”

Right-hander Albert Suárez: “Gunnar, because he’s fast, he can move, and he can be gentle at the same time.”