The use of position players as pitchers in Major League Baseball has surged to record levels this season, reflecting broader changes in pitching strategy and bullpen management. As of mid-September 2026, non-pitchers have taken the mound 142 times, marking a 446% increase compared to a decade ago.

This trend was highlighted in a recent game where the Chicago Cubs hit a franchise-record nine home runs in a 17-3 win over the Milwaukee Brewers. Notably, three of those homers came off Andrew Vaughn, normally a first baseman, who was called upon to pitch in relief during a lopsided late-inning situation. Vaughn’s pitching was marked by slow, high-arching “eephus” pitches and knuckleball attempts that allowed seven runs and three home runs over two innings.

Historically, turning to position players to pitch has been considered an unusual, last-resort tactic saved for blowouts. Ten years ago, such appearances were rare, with only 26 recorded in a full season, and none occurring in some earlier years. However, the frequency has increased dramatically, with this season seeing more position-player pitching than all of the years between 1969 and 2001 combined, excluding two-way players like Shohei Ohtani.

The expansion of this practice aligns with shifts in how teams utilize their bullpens. Starting pitchers are throwing fewer innings on average, while relief pitchers are deployed more frequently, leading teams to preserve their pitching staffs for competitive situations. Additionally, recent regulations limiting frequent demotions of pitchers to the minor leagues have reduced roster flexibility. As a result, managers are increasingly electing to use position players in games where the outcome is largely decided, minimizing strain on professional pitchers.

While this tactic has become more accepted, it has drawn criticism from some players and observers who view it as undermining the competitive integrity of the game. Colorado Rockies catcher Brett Sullivan, who has pitched seven times despite being a position player by trade, described the spectacle as “almost a farce” when pitchers throw at speeds as low as 30 to 40 mph. He cautioned teammates to remain alert even when a position player pitches, as unexpected plays can still occur.

Unlike other sports, where players sometimes fill unfamiliar roles in blowouts but still exert full effort, baseball position players pitching are often instructed to reduce exertion to avoid injury. Past incidents, including José Canseco’s need for Tommy John surgery following a relief appearance, have underscored the risks involved. Rockies outfielder Troy Johnston recently adjusted his pitching approach after being advised against attempting complex pitches during a relief outing.

Current MLB rules permit position players to pitch under certain score conditions: when trailing by eight or more runs or leading by 10 or more in the ninth inning. Given the increased frequency and aggressive use of position-player pitching, league officials are reportedly considering expanding these criteria to further limit the practice.

For now, teams continue to turn to position players on the mound in blowout games, often deploying slow, unconventional pitches as a stopgap measure. “If I tried to throw super hard, I’d feel it in spots in my body I’ve never felt,” Sullivan said, capturing the physical challenge these players face in their unexpected pitching roles.