The Atlanta Braves have done a lot to address their bullpen this offseason, adding multiple hard-throwing relievers through both free agency and trades.
but another underrated move may be bringing in a veteran who's used to seeing pitches from the other side of the plate.
Longtime utility man Charlie Culberson is preparing for Spring Training as a reliever, a different role than what he's been accustomed to during his career. He recently went on MLB Network's "Hot Stove" to discuss the transition.
On being asked why he made the change, Culberson explained that his decision was official after last season's call-up. Culberson was the 26th man on the bench and spent over a month in the major leagues while getting a total of one at-bat (which was a hit, because of course it was.)
"I think last year, after signing back with the Braves and when they first called. Alex (Anthopoulos) basically said 'hey, you're gonna basically ride the bench. You're not gonna play.' Braves guys play every day, and after getting two stints up and getting one at-bat, I kind of made the decision."
It's not Culberson's first time pitching in MLB - he's made eight appearances covering 7.1 innings in his career, and outside of the very first appearance, with Atlanta in 2018, hasn't allowed a run.
He pitched 3.2 innings with Gwinnett late last season, and while the results weren't great (five runs, two earned, on eight hits and two walks with five strikeouts), there were some valuable lessons learned by the long-time position player.
"Bullpen (work) is one thing, you face live hitters, it's another thing. You get in the game, that adrenaline just kind of takes everything up." With Culberson reportedly hitting 94 in the bullpen, there's belief there could be some more velo in the tank when it's a game situation.
And while Atlanta's told Culberson to focus on pitching this offseason, he's willing to do whatever is needed to help the team at the major league level.
"But I told them, too: If at any point you need me, whether it's AAA or the big leagues, I can be an option for you. [...] I'm taking all my gloves, I'm taking bats to spring training, and I'll take batting gloves, just in case."
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