Anthony Rizzo pitches for first time in MLB career as Cubs turn to position players again
Anthony Rizzo, star first baseman for the Chicago Cubs, has apparently wanted to pitch in an MLB game for years.
Manager Joe Maddon finally granted his star's wish Monday as the Cubs used position players for the second time in a week to wrap up their 7-1 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Catcher Victor Caratini managed three outs before Rizzo was called on to face A.J. Pollock.
Rizzo impressively needed just two pitches — firing in what MLB called sliders at 53 and 62 mph — to get Pollock to fly out for the final out of the ninth inning.
And per Rizzo, that was the beginning and end of his major-league pitching career.
“That’s it,” Rizzo said. “I got to do what I want to do, lot of fun, and career zero ERA now.”
Contributing: Associated Press