The Los Angeles Dodgers, perhaps more than any other organization in baseball, has had a string of success in converting position players with strong arms into pitchers.
Kenley Jansen began his career as a catcher but now is an All-Star who is considered to be among the game’s best closers. Pedro Baez was once a third baseman, and the power right-hander now is one of manager Dave Roberts’ trusted late-inning options out of the Dodgers bullpen.
Not every case bears success, however. The Dodgers signed outfielder Jordan Schafer to a Minor League contract last season with the intention of converting him to a pitcher.
He appeared in a combined 40 games with three affiliates last season, but is now a member of the St. Louis Cardinals organization.
The Dodgers may have their next test case in Brett Eibner. He’s recently thrown multiple bullpen sessions in preparation of a potential relief appearance.
Dodgers pitching coach Rick Honeycutt praised Eibner’s arm strength and said the club will explore his potential, via Bill Shaikin of the L.A. Times:
“He’s got a great arm,” pitching coach Rick Honeycutt said. “We’ll start fine-tuning a little bit and see if there’s something there.”
In addition to playing outfield, Eibner pitched at the University of Arkansas from 2008-10, but has not stepped foot on the mound as a professional. If all goes as planned then Eibner, who’s fastball reached as high as 95 mph in college, would be an extra arm available out of the bullpen if needed.
Over nine games as an outfielder with the Dodgers, Eibner is hitting .394/.368/.647 with two home runs and six RBIs.
While outfield would still remain his primary position, being able to pitch effectively could be the key for Eibner to remain with the Dodgers. He’s already bounced to and from Triple-A Oklahoma City on multiple occasions this season.
