Former Dodgers Walk-Off Hero Makes Shocking Position Change to Reliever

The former Dodger infielder makes a surprise position change.

Former Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Charlie Culberson is making a position change. 

According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the former Dodger is attempting to make a second career in Major League Baseball as a relief pitcher.

Veteran MLB infielder Charlie Culberson is trying to fashion a second career as reliever. Will go to Braves minors camp as pitcher. Lifetime 1.23 ERA in 7 1/3 IP in past mopup spots. Scouting report: “Great guy, Super athletic, Throws strikes and has arm strength … Has a shot.”

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 12, 2024

Culberson re-signed with the Atlanta Braves on a minor league deal and will report to minor league camp as a pitcher. 

The 35-year-old served as an infielder and outfielder for the San Francisco Giants, Colorado Rockies, Dodgers, Braves, and Texas Rangers from 2012 to 2023. Now, he will attempt a second career as a pitcher.

It may seem odd for this sudden change, but the numbers show he has the potential to make this transition possible.

The 34-year-old has made eight appearances on the mound as a relief pitcher with the Braves and Rangers. In those eight games, he has allowed just seven hits while striking out one. He has a 1.23 ERA and a 1.36 WHIP, and his fastball topped out at 94 mph.

After 11 years as a utility player, Charlie Culberson will attempt a second career ... as a pitcher!

Culberson has pitched in 8 Major League games with his fastball topping out at 94 mph. 👀 pic.twitter.com/hzmD5aFH6s

— MLB (@MLB) January 12, 2024

The former Dodger infielder made a name for himself in Los Angeles when he helped clinch the 2016 National League West title with a walk-off home run against his former team, the Rockies. 

It was a significant one, and one that Dodgers team historian Mark Langill calls the most important regular-season home run in Los Angeles Dodgers history. What made it special — or even more special — was that it was the final home game of legendary broadcaster Vin Scully's career.

Culberson has bounced around the league since his legendary home run, and has a career slash line of .248/.294/.386 with 30 home runs and 145 RBIs in 586 games.

It seems those numbers won't be relevant anymore, though, as Culberson is focused on making a career on the mound.

The Dodgers and Braves face off from May 3-5 at Dodger Stadium. Maybe the one-time Dodger will get a chance to pitch against his former team.