Utility player to pitcher: Ernie Clement takes the mound for the Guardians

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – Cleveland Guardians’ Ernie Clement has singlehandedly modified the stigma of being a utility participant in Main League Baseball together with his strong glove and flexibility across the in and outfield.

You’ll primarily see him within the beginning lineup filling in at third base or left discipline, however he’s made appearances at second, shortstop, and as a pinch-hitter and pinch-runner.

He’s #28 on the sphere and possibly #28 in your thoughts for who can be taking the mound for Cleveland, however when the Guardians had been in a bind and getting shut out by the Twins, this place participant was referred to as to be a pitcher.

Whereas that sounds as unlikely as his school baseball crew, the College of Virginia Cavaliers, making the 1186-mile journey to Omaha to take the 2015 School World Collection championship after a slew of accidents his freshman 12 months, this sport begins off even crazier…

The 26-year-old Rochester native was first listed because the backup catcher for Monday’s sport with Austin Hedges damage and Bryan Lavastida on the IL.

When you don’t imagine it, check out the pic Bally Sports activities reporter Andre Knott tweeted of Clement in catcher gear from bullpen periods and warmups.

C Luke Maile was in a position to maintain down the fort behind the plate, however Clement was later referred to as to play a special place he had by no means held within the MLB (or the minors)…

He was first put within the sport to pinch run for José Ramírez on the backside of the seventh inning – nothing out of the peculiar.

Clement stayed within the sport at third base heading into the eighth.

Bear in mind how I stated he’s identified for his strong glove?

He’s confirmed on quite a few events he’s greater than able to making highlight-worthy defensive performs with out it, too.

Now it’s the ninth, and it’s Ernest James Clement making his pitching debut, changing P Ian Gibaut.

This made him to first Cleveland place participant to pitch since June 29, 2019, which was Mike Freeman at Baltimore.

He allowed two runs on 4 hits and acquired three outs, however this wild pitch is what acquired folks speaking:

Clement went again to acquainted territory with a bat within the backside of the ninth with a pop-out to first base.

Regardless that he’s whiffed on the plate by going 0-4 his newest earlier video games with a .194 common, don’t count on him to be strolling again to the mound to Mötley Crüe’s “Kickstart My Coronary heart” anytime quickly.

His first profession pitching look ended with an 18.00 ERA, 1.0 IP, 0 SO, and 4.00 WHIP.

After the sport, Knott requested how he felt about his first time being on the mound, to which Clement responded, “It was fairly cool! I want I may’ve gave up much less hits, however, I imply, it was cool. It saves the bullpen.”

He informed Knott it was “type of a whirlwind” to arrange himself mentally for the problem.

However when his crew calls on him, “no matter they want, I’m gonna exit and attempt to do my greatest… catching, pitching, choosing Joséy up, no matter… I’ll do it.” Clement informed Knott in his post-game interview.

At the very least he’s already having a superb giggle about it.

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