Since coming to the Cleveland Indians, third basemen Andy Marte has never lived up to the hype. He was never ever to overtake Casey Blake, and even with Johnny Peralta traded now, it is Jayson Nix who will receive the playing time.
↵But then, something happened. Amidst a 11-1 deficit against the New York Yankees and the team’s bullpen stretched thin after Mitch Talbot had to leave early due to an injury, Marte came in to pitch the ninth inning. Here’s the thing: he dominated.
↵↵↵Marte became the 21st position player to pitch for the Indians. He might want to consider a change in careers. He worked a 1-2-3 ninth, striking out Swisher. He was the only Indians pitcher not to walk a batter. Marte threw 13 pitches, nine for strikes. He hit 88 mph and struck out Swisher on three pitches.
↵
I’m sure Tribe fans will have an arsenal of Marte/bullpen jokes to last them the rest of the season now.