Jays’ Pennington becomes first position player to pitch in playoffs

Jays IF Cliff Pennington became the first true position player to pitch in a postseason game.

With the Toronto Blue Jays trailing the Kansas City Royals 12–2 in the ninth inning of ALCS Game 4, manager John Gibbons sent infielder Cliff Pennington to the mound with two outs and two runners on.

Pennington recorded the final out after allowing two unearned runs to score on three hits. Pennington became the first true position player to pitch in a postseason game, according to STATS, Inc.

He hit 91 mph with his first fastball, to the amusement of the Jays’ dugout.

The Jays lost the game 14–2, and now trail 3–1 to the Royals in the best-of-seven series. Game 5 takes place Wednesday afternoon at 4:07 p.m. ET.

- Kenny Ducey