Oakland Athletics call up switch pitcher Pat Venditte

The Oakland Athletics called up switch-pitcher Pat Venditte on Friday.

There had been rumors speculating that Venditte would be called up to the majors. The Athletics have purchased Venditte’s contract although the team hasn’t confirmed the move, according to MLB.com. Venditte is ambidextrous, which means he pitches with both arms. He wears a special glove that has six fingers and room for his thumb. He usually pitches with whichever arm gives him the same-side advantage against the hitter.

Venditte was selected by the New York Yankees in the 20th round of the 2008 draft. He spent seven years in the Yankees farm system, but was never called up despite having a 2.46 ERA and 431 strikeouts. In the offseason he signed a minor league contract with the Athletics. This season Venditte has a 1.36 ERA and has held hitters to a .167 average, according to Fox Sports. He has a 2.37 ERA and held hitters to a .215 average in his minor league career.

Venditte is the first ambidextrous pitcher in Major League Baseball since Greg Harris in 1995. He could make his Major League debut this weekend when the Athletics take on the Boston Red Sox.

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