Atlanta Braves
Former Braves catcher throws 96-mph fastball in pitching debut
Former Braves catcher Christian Bethancourt made his pitching debut in San Diego's 16-4 loss to Seattle Tuesday, May 31, 2016.
Former Braves catcher Christian Bethancourt became the fifth player in major league history to play at least four positions - including pitcher - in one game.
Bethancourt started San Diego's 16-4 loss Tuesday to Seattle behind the plate. He moved to left field before going up to the mound to pitch the eighth inning.
As far as pitching debuts it was somewhat impressive.
Bethancourt, who said he last pitched about 10 years ago when he was 14, flashed a 96-mph fastball. He threw changeups in the mid-80s. He hurled a mid-50s knuckleball for a strike. And then he tossed another mid-50s ball for a eephus-type pitch.
Watch it here:
"It was definitely fun," Bethancourt told mlb.com, "Something, I guess, a lot of position players want to do at some point, just to get out there and see how it feels. I've already experienced it and know it's not easy to throw strikes now."
Bethancourt completed his four-position day at second base, becoming the fifth player since 1913 to appear as a pitcher, catcher, left fielder and second baseman in one game.
Bethancourt isn't the only former Brave position player to take the mound this season. Jordan Schafer is trying to make a comeback to the majors as a pitcher.
