Since making his MLB debut in 2012, Charlie Culberson has played 590 MLB games.
He has spent four MLB seasons with the Atlanta Braves, including 2023.
As a utilityman, the versatile veteran has played every position around the diamond except for catcher and center field.
He has even pitched, which leads us to what we came here to say.
“Veteran MLB infielder Charlie Culberson is trying to fashion a second career as reliever. Will go to Braves minors camp as pitcher. Lifetime 1.23 ERA in 7 1/3 IP in past mopup spots. Scouting report: ‘Great guy, Super athletic, Throws strikes and has arm strength … Has a shot,’” MLB insider Jon Heyman tweeted.
Veteran MLB infielder Charlie Culberson is trying to fashion a second career as reliever. Will go to Braves minors camp as pitcher. Lifetime 1.23 ERA in 7 1/3 IP in past mopup spots. Scouting report: “Great guy, Super athletic, Throws strikes and has arm strength … Has a shot.”
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 12, 2024
The owner of a career .248/.293/.385 line as a hitter, Culberson is ready to try and become a full-time pitcher.
The Braves are happy to give him a chance to fulfill his dream, as they are inviting him to minor league camp as a hurler.
He has pitched 7.1 innings in mop-up duty during his career, and has a 1.23 ERA.
While many position player pitching appearances feature guys throwing the ball at 40-50 mph hoping to get some outs, Culberson has averaged 89.8 mph in those 7.1 frames on the mound.
He does have some velocity, more than a handful of relievers in MLB.
Scouts, as Heyman states, say that his athleticism and arm strength might be enough for him to carve out a career in the bullpen.
More will be needed, though: a secondary pitch, consistency with his release point, control/command, etc.
It’s still a fun experiment, though, and everybody will be rooting for him.
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