Watch: Kratz becomes 1st position player to pitch in 2016
Stephen Brashear / Getty Images Sport / Getty
With the Houston Astros down 9-1 in the eighth inning Tuesday against the Seattle Mariners, manager A.J. Hinch turned to backup catcher Erik Kratz to pitch.
Kratz, a seven-year MLB vet, made his major-league debut on the mound, and despite one very wild pitch, did an admirable job - he allowed two runs on three hits in an inning of work, while throwing 83 mph heat.
His pitching line, however, was surpassed on the same night by a member of his family:
While a number of position players have pitched in past seasons to prevent wear and tear on bullpens, Kratz was the first to do so in 2016.