This seemed like one of the more unorthodox pinch runner replacements ever, and the Colorado Rockies are lucky it didn’t backfire.
On Monday, a bunch of Rockies players were either injured or missed the game against the Philadelphia Phillies due to illness. So after Elias Diaz doubled with the game tied at 1-1, Bud Black called upon top pitcher (!) Kyle Freeland to pinch run. With him on third, Phillies hurler Jeff Hoffman threw a wild pitch that got away from J.T. Realmuto and Freeland dashed home.
The throw was in time to nail Freeland at the plate, but the pitcher looked hurt after. Black said he was “fine,” but wow, this was not great!
Runner is out. Inning over. Game is still tied. pic.twitter.com/hpv4TFOsX7
— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) April 16, 2024
The Rockies used pitcher Kyle Freeland as a pinch-runner for the go-ahead run in the ninth
He got thrown out at home and injured on the play, though he returned to the dugout shortly after. Hoping for the best for him! pic.twitter.com/EUDoA9n9QP
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) April 16, 2024
Phillies walk-off #Rockies 2-1 as Colorado drops series opener, first extra-inning game of 2024… plus, Bud Black explains why he used Kyle Freeland as a pinch-runner in 9th, says southpaw is "fine" after collision at plate with Jeff Hoffman: https://t.co/0PZdklIoVs #MLB
— Kyle Newman (@KyleNewmanDP) April 16, 2024
