Pitchers can still hit: Ryne Nelson has surprising RBI single during Diamondbacks' winning rally

Pitchers can still hit: Ryne Nelson has surprising RBI single during Diamondbacks’ winning rally

PHOENIX (AP) — Ryne Nelson had dirt on his uniform pants, a skinned knee from sliding and an ear-to-ear grin.

Pitchers can still hit: Ryne Nelson has surprising RBI single during Diamondbacks' winning rally

Ryne Nelson had dirt on his uniform pants, a skinned knee from sliding and a grin on his face.

Pavin Smith: The Late Bloomer Who Could Surprise

Pavin Smith figures to play a key role with the Arizona Diamondbacks in a platoon role this 2025 MLB season at the DH spot after seeming to put it all together last year between two extended stretches in the bigs. Smith was left off last year’s Opening Day roster but earned a spot back by mid-April, making an immediate impact with a 124 wRC+ in 61 plate appearances through early June, half of which came in right field and the rest split between …

'That was awesome': Pitcher Nelson records pinch-hit RBI single in 1st career AB

PHOENIX -- It was the sixth inning Sunday and Torey Lovullo had a decision to make. His team was, in his words, “flatlining” at the time offensively and needed a spark. The Diamondbacks' manager looked over his options and sent Pavin Smith up to hit for second baseman Garrett Hampson.

D-backs' Ryne Nelson becomes first pitcher other than Shohei Ohtani to record a hit in the universal DH era

Because of an array of managerial moves, Nelson was forced into action at the plate

Ryne Nelson, pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks, starred in a historic moment in the MLB by connecting a hit tug in the game against the Chicago Puppies. With this unstoppable, Nelson became the first pitcher to achieve a hit since the implementation of the universal designated batter in 2022, excluding Shohei Ohtani and position players who have acted as pitchers. Nelson’s baton came at a key moment in the match, driving a race that helped th…