WATCH: Tyler Chatwood basically scares opposing pitcher into balking |
CHICAGO — The Chicago Cubs boast their fair share of pitchers who are effective with a bat in their hands, but reliever
Tyler Chatwood might be the best offensive hurler of them all for the Cubs. Making a spot start at Wrigley Field in place of the injured
Kyle Hendricks against the New York Mets on Thursday, Chatwood showed off his offensive prowess by doing something that practically never happens with a pitcher on base.
After drawing a walk in the bottom of the fourth, Chatwood, who was the lone baserunner at the time, essentially drew a balk, as he feigned a steal attempt and scared Mets reliever Wilmer Font into balking. There are not many pitchers in the majors who could fake a steal and incite a balk, but Chatwood did just that. Interestingly, Chatwood's start was put to end prior to the start of the fifth frame, indicating that he remained in the game to bat in the fourth inning exclusively because of his offensive acumen. Cubs pitcher Chatwood draws a walk, then pretends to steal and gets Font to balk. Brodie you watching? #EverybodyIn #LGM pic.twitter.com/YzwnUZNqw1