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It’s September 22nd, 2013; Andy Pettitte’s last start in Yankee Stadium. The San Francisco Giants are visiting. Andy Pettitte has a no-hitter going into the sixth inning.
In steps a young rookie from Miranda, Venezuela by the name of Ehire Adrianza. Ehire was brought up to the bigs as a utility man, even though he was a natural shortstop. In that at-bat in 2013, Ehire Adrianza would hit his first career homerun, ruining Pettitte’s almost-magical night. He wouldn’t hit another MLB homerun until 2016, when he went yard against three-time Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw.
Adrianza has made a big league living playing every position in the infield (minus catcher), every position in the outfield, as well as an appearance pitching in relief. A utility man in the truest sense of the word.
His MLB debut marked the 300th Venezuelan to ever play in Major League Baseball.
As a player with the Twins in 2019, he managed the team in place of Rocco Baldelli after the Twins clinched the American League Central Division crown.
In January of this year, Adrianza signed a minor league contract with the Braves, along with an invitation to Spring Training.
A Spring Training in which he’s slashed .478/.600/.783 with four doubles, five runs, six walks, eight RBI, & a homerun.
Believe it’s safe to say, Adrianza’s name will be included on the Opening Day roster on April 1st.
The Daily Braves 