Garrett Hampson made an unexpected mark for the St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday, shortly after being claimed off waivers from the Cincinnati Reds. During an 8-0 loss, Hampson stepped onto the mound, delivering a remarkable three-pitch inning that highlighted his Cardinals pitching debut.
The 30-year-old began the game in center field, going 0-for-3 at bat, but it was his remarkable pitching appearance that captured attention. Called upon to pitch in the top of the ninth inning to preserve the bullpen, Hampson retired the side using just three pitches. This made him the first position player to pitch in his Cardinals debut since Cody McKay did so on April 8, 2004.
Manager Comments on Hampson’s Versatile Role
After the game, Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol revealed that he had checked with Hampson before sending him to the mound, asking if he had any pitching experience. Hampson confirmed he had, prompting Marmol to praise him as a “versatile player” who likely did not envision pitching when he joined the team that morning.
Hampson’s pitching was not without precedent; he previously pitched an inning for the Kansas City Royals last season, allowing only one base runner due to a hit by pitch. This background gave him some major league pitching experience before his appearance with the Cardinals.
Defensive Highlights and Positional Flexibility
Beyond his pitching, Hampson also contributed defensively. In the second inning, he made an impressive running catch in center field, covering 61 feet and sliding to prevent the Chicago Cubs’ Nico Hoerner from extending the play. Later in the game, Hampson shifted to shortstop, demonstrating his ability to cover multiple positions effectively.
Career Journey and Current Performance
Hampson’s time with the Cardinals marks the sixth organization he has played for during his seven-plus year professional career and is his third team this season. He has struggled offensively with a .157 batting average, collecting only eight hits in 51 at-bats spread across the Arizona Diamondbacks, Cincinnati Reds, and now the Cardinals.
Despite his current batting challenges, Hampson’s unique contribution on the mound and in the field underscores the utility and adaptability that have kept him active in Major League Baseball.
Implications of Hampson’s Unconventional Debut
Garrett Hampson’s ability to seamlessly transition from outfielder to pitcher during his Cardinals pitching debut adds an intriguing layer of versatility for the team’s roster flexibility, especially in long games or blowout situations. His performance not only saved the bullpen but also provided a rare and memorable moment for fans.
Moving forward, Hampson’s diverse skill set may offer the Cardinals valuable options in both defensive positioning and emergency pitching assignments, potentially shaping how the team manages its roster across the remainder of the season.