Crossword Genius

Baseball player put champions in first place (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

backstop

'baseball player' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'champions in first place' is the wordplay.
'champions' becomes 'backs' (as verb - supports).
'in first place' becomes 'top' (of a list or table).
'backs'+'top'='BACKSTOP'

'put' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for backstop that I've seen before include "baseball catcher" , "baseball player" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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