Former slugger Jose Bautista is eyeing a comeback to the major leagues albeit in a different way.
Bautista, 39, who once was a promising third base prospect for the Pittsburgh Pirates, has been trying to return to baseball as a two-way player, ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported.
The Dominican Republic native, who has not played in a major league game since Sept. 30 of 2018, hit 344 home runs and drove in nearly 1,000 runs over the span of his 15-year career.
But Bautista has been working out from the mound to make it as a pitcher.
“I’ve seen video of Jose Bautista throwing a bullpen session. Couldn’t tell the velocity, but one source said he can run his fastball up to 94,” Passan tweeted. “His slider had legitimate tilt — threw a short one and a bigger bender.”
I've seen video of Jose Bautista throwing a bullpen session. Couldn't tell the velocity, but one source said he can run his fastball up to 94. His slider had legitimate tilt -- threw a short one and a bigger bender. @STR0 said in January he could pitch in a big league bullpen.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) March 2, 2020
The six-time All-Star, who spent most of his career with the Toronto Blue Jays, is expected to play first base for his home country during qualifying for the 2020 Summer Olympics this month.
*sees story about Jose Bautista working out as a pitcher*
— Toronto Star (@TorontoStar) March 2, 2020
My brain:
Don't say it
Don't say it
Don't say it
Don't say it
Don't say it
Don't say it
Don't say it
Don't say it
Me: Joey Bats? More like Joey Throws https://t.co/q9AecrlU7S
In February Major League Baseball announced a series of rule changes, including one that exempts two-way players from counting against the maximum number of pitchers allowed on an active roster. For Bautista, the rule change could be the opening he needs for a big league invite.
In January former teammate and Mets starter Marcus Stroman tweeted “My bro [Jose Bautista] is nasty on the mound. We been working working. All jokes aside, this man can pitch in a big league bullpen. I’ll put my word on it!”
My bro @JoeyBats19 is nasty on the mound. We been working working. All jokes aside, this man can pitch in a big league bullpen. I’ll put my word on it! pic.twitter.com/mxXylJmDnn
— Marcus Stroman (@STR0) January 17, 2020
