Braves might use utility infielder Charlie Culberson as pitcher vs. Dodgers

The Braves may have to turn to utility infielder Charlie Culberson to pitch in Game 3 of the NLCS against the Dodgers after a nightmare performance from the mound.

The Atlanta Braves gave up 11 runs to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first inning of Game 3 of the NLCS.

The 11-run first inning did more than just wow the baseball world. It put the Braves in a tough spot with their pitching staff.

They won’t want to waste the arms of the bullpen with more important games to follow with no rest, which means it might be time for an infielder to start warming up.

The Braves are preparing to use utility infielder Charlie Culberson on the mound

Atlanta pitching coach Rick Kranitz had a conversation with Charlie Culberson, preparing him for the possibility, “even the likelihood,” of him being asked to pitch on Wednesday night, according to Tom Verducci.

Culberson spent two seasons with the Dodgers before he was traded to the Braves in the deal that brought Matt Kemp to Los Angeles. He only appeared in nine games for Atlanta this season, but he’s now set to make one of his more memorable appearances.

In four games pitching for the Braves over the last three seasons, he has a 2.70 ERA.

Starter Kyle Wright didn’t even make it through the first inning of the game after giving up seven runs. Grant Dayton didn’t have a better time of it, giving up eight runs in his two innings pitched.

The Braves’ Pablo Sandoval has also made an appearance on the mound in his career.