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A few weeks in the past, it confirmed up within the transaction logs that the Giants had signed first baseman Ronald Guzmán to a minor league deal. The membership as we speak introduced to reporters, together with Grant Brisbee of The Athletic, a batch of gamers that may be in camp as non-roster invitees. Amongst them was Guzmán, although he was listed as each a pitcher and an infielder. Video of Guzmán pitching not too long ago appeared on social media, with the Instagram account Dominican Baseball Solutions sharing some footage again in December.
The truth that the Giants are asserting Guzmán as a pitcher means that they’re no less than considerably prepared to provide him an actual shot to show himself in that capability. He doesn’t but have any skilled expertise as a pitcher, although the Instagram submit linked above says that he was hitting 96 mph on his fastball, in addition to throwing a slider at 82 mph and a changeup at 84.
Guzmán is now 28 years previous, so making a transition to pitching might be tough however the swap just isn’t completely unprecedented. Maybe the very best latest instance is Anthony Gose, who spent a few years as an outfielder however struggled on the plate and transformed to pitching in 2017 on the age of 26. He finally made his means again to the large leagues with Cleveland in 2021 and tossed 27 2/3 MLB innings over the previous couple of years. Sadly, he required Tommy John surgical procedure late final 12 months and can seemingly miss the complete 2023 season.
It doesn’t appear to be Guzmán is completed with the opposite a part of his sport, nonetheless, since he was additionally introduced as an infielder. He acquired into simply three MLB video games with the Yankees final 12 months however hit .255/.344/.478 throughout 105 Triple-A contests for a wRC+ of 116. The primary base place in San Francisco has some uncertainty with Brandon Belt becoming a member of the Blue Jays. It looks like LaMonte Wade Jr. will are available in from the outfield and see important time on the chilly nook with right-hander J.D. Davis maybe additionally concerned in a platoon capability. Guzmán may be in Triple-A to supply some veteran depth whereas additionally attempting to jumpstart his late-career transfer to the mound.
Gamers making an attempt to play on either side of the ball have been popping up a number of locations these days, however with little success outdoors of Shohei Ohtani. The Rays allowed Brendan McKay to develop as a two-way participant for some time although he’s been severely hamstrung by accidents in recent times. Michael Lorenzen dabbled with being a two-way participant however has discovered much more success as a pitcher, whereas Christian Bethancourt and Matt Davidson had been within the reverse camp. White Sox prospect Oscar Colás did some pitching in Cuba however has on condition that as much as be a full-time hitter in recent times. Alex Verdugo has expressed an curiosity in changing into a two-way participant sooner or later however has been stored as outfielder in his profession up to now.
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