The Oakland A’s have just called up ambidextrous pitcher, Pat Venditte. Venditte is the first switch pitcher in the MLB since Greg Harris in 1995. Venditte was drafted in the 40th round of the 2007 draft, and drafted again by the Yankees in the 20th round in 2008. Venditte signed with the A’s in this last offseason.

In 33 innings this season, Pat Venditte has a 1.36 ERA and a WHIP just a tick below 1.000. In his earlier minor league career, Venditte was primarily a closer, but has only recorded two saves since 2010. He’s been pretty successful pitching ambidextrously. Overall, he carries a 2.39 ERA in 417 innings pitched in his minor league career. In that span, he’s also struck out 464 batters. Venditte also made one start for Triple-A Nashville this season, but the A’s have already stated that he will exclusively be pitching from the bullpen.

A’s Call Up Ambidextrous Pitcher, Pat Venditte

In 2008, MLB introduced the “Pat Venditte Rule” stating: “The pitcher must visually indicate to the umpire, batter and runner(s) which way he will begin pitching to the batter. Engaging the rubber with the glove on a particular hand is considered a definitive commitment to which arm he will throw with. The batter will then choose which side of the plate he will bat from.” The rule also states that, like batters, the pitcher cannot switch during the at bat.

The big difference between Veditte and Greg Harris, is that Harris only did it once in his career, in his second last of 703 career appearances. Veditte regularly changes arms to take advantage of the matchups.

In corresponding roster moves for the A’s, they optioned Dan Otero to Nashville and moved Coco Crisp to the 60-day DL because of a neck injury.