Victor Mederos became the first MLB pitcher to record a hit since the universal designated hitter rule took effect in 2022. The moment came during Atlanta's 15-1 victory over the Rangers on Friday night.
Braves manager Walt Weiss pulled All-Star first baseman Matt Olson in the eighth inning. He replaced him with designated hitter Dominic Smith, forcing the pitcher to bat.
Mederos faced Rangers catcher Kyle Higashioka, who was pitching. The 25-year-old lined a 42 mph eephus pitch into left field for a two-run single.
Mederos said he pleaded for the chance to swing. Weiss agreed on the condition that he not go too hard at the plate. The pitcher used a bat loaned by Olson.
The hit marked the first by a Braves pitcher since Max Fried in 2021. Mederos allowed one run over two innings in relief.
