Infielder is batting .250 in big league debut this year
Allowed seven runs on 10 hits in four innings against Minnesota on May 5
Tops out at 96 mph, averages mid-50s fastball
Manager Francona: “I’m glad he didn’t get hurt”
The game between the Minnesota Twins and the Cleveland Indians of Major League Baseball (MLB) on May 5 at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio, USA. In a wild game that saw both teams combine for 33 hits, Minnesota won 20-6.
The game also featured a rare true record.
Infielder David Frei, who made his big league debut this year, took the mound and pitched four innings. It had been 35 years since a pitcher had pitched more than four innings in a game since Jose O’Kend in 1988 (65).
Cleveland’s starting pitcher for the day was Lucas Giolito, who was recently claimed off waivers from the Los Angeles Angels. The Angels are looking to avoid the luxury tax by releasing a high-priced player as they head into fall ball.
Giolito was tagged for nine runs on nine hits (three homers) and three walks in three innings in his first start since being acquired from Cleveland. Second starter Sam Hedges pitched a scoreless inning in the fourth, but third starter Enrique De Los Santos struggled in the fifth, allowing four runs on two hits and two walks in 1.2 innings.
Cleveland manager Terry Francona then sent Fry to the mound for the sixth inning. Frye, an infielder selected in the seventh round (215th overall) by the Milwaukee Brewers in 2018, was batting .250 (21-for-84) with four home runs and 13 RBIs after making his big league debut in May.
Frye also made his debut as a “pitcher” on July 1 against the Chicago Cubs, tossing one scoreless inning of relief. Cleveland was 1-10 at the time. MLB often uses bullpens when the score is close, both as a fan service and to conserve pitching.온라인카지노
Fry struggled in his second big league start in five days. In four innings, he allowed seven runs on 10 hits and one walk. He also gave up three home runs, but Francona didn’t flinch and kept him on the mound until the top of the ninth. He had thrown 13 pitches in his first start in July, but on this day his pitch count was 64 (41 strikes). MLB.com called it “the most pitches thrown in a game by a Cleveland Yankee since right fielder Milt Gallacher on Aug. 26, 1936.”
Even more impressive was his velocity. On this day, Frye’s fastball was under 60 mph (96 km/h). He was the first player in MLB history to throw 30 or more pitches under 60 mph in a game. His average velocity was in the mid-50s.
Fry didn’t wind it up, but threw it lightly, as if he was throwing a batting ball. He was all smiles as he walked off the mound in the top of the ninth inning with the final out. Fry’s career ERA jumped from 0.00 to 12.60.
Francona said after the game, “Fry worked really hard. I’m glad he didn’t get hurt. If we win tomorrow, it will be because he was on the mound the whole time.”