Infielder David Fletcher may have stumbled into a new career
Sep 15, 2023; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels second baseman David Fletcher (22) rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run against the Detroit Tigers during the seventh inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Former Los Angeles Angels infielder David Fletcher may have found himself a new career as he remains under investigation by Major League Baseball.
Fletcher currently plays for the Gwinnett Stripers, who are the Triple-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. On Wednesday night, the 29-year-old made his first career start as a pitcher. And Fletcher held his own.
Fletcher pitched five innings in Gwinnett’s 5-2 win over the Norfolk Tides. He allowed 3 hits and 2 earned runs while striking out 6 and walking 1. Fletcher threw mostly knuckleballs and even struck out star prospect Jackson Holliday in the bottom of the third inning.
David Fletcher gets JACKSON HOLLIDAY swinging! pic.twitter.com/XyB7DipPBZ
— Jared Tims (@Jared_Tims) May 29, 2024
Fletcher had previously made three relief appearances for the Stripers, posting a 9.00 ERA. He lowered his ERA to 6.55 with Wednesday night’s outing. He threw 60 knuckleballs out of 72 pitches and got batters to swing and miss 11 times.
David Fletcher baseball savant report is pure gold. pic.twitter.com/q9oW32jaGk
— Arving Gonzalez (@ArvingGonzalez) May 30, 2024
What really makes Fletcher’s story interesting is that he is currently under investigation by MLB for gambling. There have been allegations that he bet through the same illegal bookie that Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter Ippei Mizuhara used. Fletcher is said to be one of Ohtani’s closest friends from when the two were with the Angels together.
Like Ohtani, Fletcher might now have a career as a two-way player.
H/T New York Post
