For the first time in 40 MLB seasons, a team will forgo using the DH and elect to have the pitcher bat instead.
That team is the San Francisco Giants, and that pitcher turned hitter will be Madison Bumgarner.
Bruce Bochy told Andrew Baggarly about the decision after Wednesday’s loss in Oakland.
The last time a pitcher hit for himself in an American League stadium was back in 2009, but Tampa Bay Rays manager Joe Maddon accidentally filled out the lineup card wrong.
Bumgarner, who has repeatedly said he wants to participate in the Home Run Derby next month in San Diego, is 7/40 on the season with two home runs and five RBI.
.@SFGiants to forgo DH Thursday in Oakland, allow Madison Bumgarner to hit. https://t.co/1IesCQuMs6 #PitchersWhoRakehttps://t.co/Hrm0oqcof4
— MLB (@MLB) June 30, 2016