Former Texas Rangers Infielder To Take Shot At Pitching
Texas Rangers fans know that former infielder Charlie Culberson can pitch. During his short tenure with the team he made several effective appearances as a pitcher in mop-up duty.
Now, Culberson is reportedly going to try and make it his position.
The utility player will report to Atlanta Braves camp next month in Orlando in an attempt to make the Opening-Day roster as a pitcher.
Per multiple reports, Culberson signed a minor-league deal with the Braves, a team he played one game with in 2023. The Braves have not officially announced the signing.
Culberson spent the rest of last season with the Braves’ Triple-A affiliate in Gwinnett. He was designated for assignment twice and returned to the organization each time.
Culberson, 34, played with the Rangers in 2021-22. Each season he signed a minor-league deal and made the team’s Opening Day roster. In two seasons with Texas, he batted .246 with 21 doubles, seven homers, and 34 RBI.
He pitched four scoreless innings for the Rangers, allowing a hit and a walk. In fact, in 7.1 career innings with Atlanta (2018-2020) and Texas, he held opponents to one run on seven hits and three walks, with one strikeout.
A scout told the New York Post, “Great guy, super athletic, throws strikes and has arm strength … has a shot.”
Culberson was a 2007 first-round pick for the San Francisco Giants and has played for the Giants, Colorado Rockies, and Los Angeles Dodgers. He has a lifetime .248 average with 30 home runs and 145 RBI.
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