Anthony Rizzo threw two pitches to record an out in his MLB pitching debut

The Cubs had to go to the bullpen early in Monday night's 7-1 loss to the D-backs at Wrigley Field. Starter Luke Farrell was removed in the fourth inning, and Joe Maddon used relievers Brian Duensing and Randy Rosario for the middle innings.

Catcher Victor Caratini -- making his second pitching appearance in less than a week -- was up next, but things changed in the ninth. With two outs, A.J. Pollock came to the plate and faced ... Anthony Rizzo , who was making his first career pitching appearance. As you'll see in the clip atop this post, he succeeded in finally convincing Maddon to let him toe the rubber.

And he did well! Rizzo only needed to throw two pitches, retiring Pollock on a flyout to center fielder Ian Happ to end the frame and his pitching debut.

And for some number-crunching:

Anthony Rizzo's first pitch was 53.6 mph but he ramped it up to 62 mph to retire AJ Pollock.



Love seeing pitchers reach back for a little extra in a big spot. — Andrew Simon (@AndrewSimonMLB) July 24, 2018

Rizzo really can do it all.

Some people say @ARizzo44 is the greatest pitcher of all time. pic.twitter.com/ERNekbmKHS — Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) July 24, 2018

Don't expect to see Rizzo coming in to pitch again, though:

Rizzo says that's it, he doesn't want to pitch again. It was his 1st time on the mound since his last high school game. #Cubs — Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) July 24, 2018