Venditte getting job done at Double-A
In this photo combo, New York Yankees pitcher Pat Venditte, left, throws right-handed, and at right, throws left-handed during the sixth inning of a spring training baseball game against the Atlanta Braves. (March 30, 2010) Credit: AP
Pat Venditte, the organization’s switch pitcher taken in the 20th round of the 2008 draft, is still at it and still producing. The former walk-on at Creighton keeps slowly moving through the Yankees’ system, this year getting the job done at Double-A Trenton.
The 26-year-old Venditte, who has appeared with the Yankees in each of the last two springs — one game each year — has said he doesn’t want to be seen as a sideshow but a pitcher like anyone else. Just one who happens to be ambidextrous, the only one currently in professional baseball.
Entering last night Venditte, who in previous summers pitched for Staten Island, Charleston and Tampa, was 3-6 but with a 2.83 ERA in 43 games. He had 73 strikeouts compared to 28 walks in 761 / 3 innings with a WHIP that is among the best on the staff.
In his last 10 games entering last night Venditte was 1-2 with a 1.96 ERA.
Righties are hitting .247 off Venditte, a natural righty, while lefties are hitting .202.
