In baseball, the use of position players as pitchers is not a common occurrence. However, there are times when teams will call on a position player to take the mound, particularly when the game is already decided or when they need to save their regular pitchers for more important games or situations.
One recent example of this is Hanser Alberto, an infielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers, who was called upon to pitch in a game against the St. Louis Cardinals in April 2021.
In this blog, we will explore the reasons why teams let position players like Hanser Alberto pitch and the benefits of this strategy for both teams and players. We will also take a closer look at Alberto’s performance as a pitcher and his previous experience in this role.
Why Teams Use Position Players to Pitch?
Baseball is a sport that demands a lot from its pitchers, both physically and mentally. Pitchers need to have strong arms and excellent control over their pitches to be effective, but they also need to be able to read batters and make split-second decisions about which pitch to throw.
Because of this, pitchers are prone to injury and fatigue, which is why teams are often cautious about how much they use them.
One strategy that teams use to manage their pitchers’ workload is to “save arms” or “preserve arms.” This means that teams will try to limit the number of pitches their regular pitchers throw in games that are already decided or in situations where the outcome is not in doubt.
By doing this, teams can keep their pitchers fresh for more important games or situations where the outcome is in doubt.
Using position players to pitch is one way that teams can save their regular pitchers for more important games or situations. Position players are not as skilled at pitching as regular pitchers, but they can still throw strikes and get outs.
By using position players to pitch in games that are already decided, teams can avoid overusing their regular pitchers and reduce the risk of injury or fatigue.
This strategy is commonly employed in baseball, particularly in games where one team is leading by a large margin. In these situations, the game is essentially decided, and there is little risk in using a position player to pitch.
Teams may also use position players to pitch in extra-inning games when they have run out of available pitchers.
In summary, using position players to pitch is a strategy that teams use to save their regular pitchers for more important games or situations where the outcome is in doubt.
This strategy is commonly employed in baseball and helps teams manage their pitchers’ workload and reduce the risk of injury or fatigue.
Benefits of Using Position Players to Pitch
Using position players to pitch in baseball games offers several benefits for both the team and the players involved. Here are some of the key advantages of this strategy:
Avoiding Overuse of Regular Pitchers and the Risk of Injury
Regular pitchers in baseball are susceptible to injury and fatigue due to the physical demands of their position. Using a position player to pitch in a game that is already decided can help protect the health of the team’s regular pitchers by allowing them to rest and recover.
This helps to prevent overuse injuries and ensures that pitchers are fresh and ready to go for important games and situations.
Providing Entertainment for Fans in Games That Are Already Decided
Baseball is a sport that is heavily reliant on tradition and entertainment value. Fans of the game appreciate when teams do something unconventional and entertaining, even in games that are already decided.
Using a position player to pitch is one way to inject some fun and excitement into the game and can give fans a reason to stay engaged and entertained.
Allowing Position Players to Showcase Their Versatility
Position players are typically known for their ability to play a specific position, such as infield or outfield. However, using a position player to pitch allows them to showcase their versatility and demonstrate that they can contribute to the team in multiple ways.
This can be a valuable asset for the player in terms of their overall value to the team and their future career prospects.
In summary, using position players to pitch in baseball games can help teams avoid overusing their regular pitchers, provide entertainment for fans, and allow position players to showcase their versatility.
Hanser Alberto’s Pitching Experience and Performance
Hanser Alberto, an infielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers, has some experience pitching in his career. Prior to joining the Dodgers, Alberto pitched in three games for the Texas Rangers in 2019, allowing two hits and one run in 1.1 innings of work.
While his pitching experience is limited, his versatility as a position player makes him a viable option for pitching in emergency situations.
On April 9, 2021, the Dodgers were losing 11-1 to the St. Louis Cardinals in the ninth inning. With the game essentially decided, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts decided to put Alberto on the mound to pitch the ninth inning.
Alberto faced three batters and retired them all in order, including striking out Cardinals outfielder Lane Thomas.
Alberto’s performance as a pitcher was impressive, particularly considering his limited experience in this role. He threw 14 pitches, with 10 of them being strikes, and recorded a strikeout. His fastball averaged 80.4 mph, with a maximum velocity of 82.8 mph, and he mixed in a curveball and a changeup as well.
While it is difficult to draw definitive conclusions from such a small sample size, Alberto’s performance as a pitcher was encouraging for the Dodgers.
He demonstrated good command and control of his pitches and was able to retire the side in order, despite facing a Cardinals lineup that included several regular starters.
In summary, Hanser Alberto has limited pitching experience in his career, but he has shown the ability to contribute in this role when called upon.
His performance as a pitcher for the Dodgers in April 2021 was impressive, as he retired all three batters he faced and recorded a strikeout. His versatility as a position player makes him a valuable asset for the Dodgers in emergency situations.
Notable Position Players Who Have Pitched in Major League Baseball
| Player Name | Primary Position | Number of Career Pitching Appearances | Career ERA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shohei Ohtani | DH/P | 17 | 2.93 |
| Babe Ruth | OF/P | 163 | 2.28 |
| Micah Owings | 1B/P | 68 | 4.86 |
| Brooks Kieschnick | OF/P | 74 | 4.59 |
| Mark Grace | 1B/P | 1 | 0.00 |
| Scott Sheldon | SS/P | 2 | 0.00 |
| Aaron Boone | 3B/P | 1 | 0.00 |
Note: This table is not exhaustive and is only intended to highlight a few notable examples of position players who have pitched in Major League Baseball. The data used in this table is current as of September 2021.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any downsides to using position players to pitch in baseball games?
While there are many benefits to using position players to pitch, there are also some potential downsides. For example, position players are typically not trained or equipped to pitch at the same level as regular pitchers, which can result in a greater risk of injury or a higher likelihood of giving up runs. Additionally, using a position player to pitch can disrupt the team’s overall strategy and game plan, as the manager may have to make adjustments to account for the player’s limited pitching ability.
Are there any position players who have become full-time pitchers in baseball?
While it is rare, there have been some position players who have transitioned into full-time pitchers in baseball. One recent example is Shohei Ohtani, who currently plays for the Los Angeles Angels as both a pitcher and a designated hitter. Ohtani began his career as a position player in Japan, but has since focused primarily on pitching in the United States.
Can any position player pitch in a baseball game, or are there restrictions?
While any position player is technically allowed to pitch in a baseball game, there are some restrictions that must be followed. For example, position players are not allowed to pitch in the first nine innings of a game unless the game goes into extra innings or the team is winning or losing by at least six runs. Additionally, position players are limited to pitching a maximum of three innings in a game, and they must still adhere to the rules and regulations that apply to regular pitchers (such as the requirement to throw from the pitcher’s mound).
To Recap
Using position players to pitch in baseball games can provide several benefits for teams, including preserving the health of regular pitchers, providing entertainment for fans, and showcasing the versatility of position players.
Hanser Alberto is one example of a player who has demonstrated the ability to contribute in this role, with a limited but impressive performance as a pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers in April 2021.
While this strategy is not without risks, it can be an effective way for teams to manage their pitching staffs and maximize their chances of success on the field.
As such, we can expect to continue seeing position players taking the mound in baseball games for years to come.
