VIDEO: Athletics' Venditte impresses with both arms

Oakland Athletics right-hander Pat Venditte retired the only batter he faced Tuesday in his Cactus League debut, inducing an inning-ending groundout from Justin Maxwell of the San Francisco Giants to end the third frame.

Shortly thereafter, Oakland Athletics left-hander Pat Venditte took the mound and did his job with similar aplomb, striking out first baseman Brandon Belt before being replaced.

(Courtesy: MLB.com)

Vying this spring for a job in the Athletics' bullpen, the ambidextrous anomaly made a favorable impression against the Giants on Tuesday, though his unique talents caught teammate Ben Zobrist momentarily off guard. 

"I didn't realize it was him when he started throwing, so it kind of tripped me out there for a second," Zobrist told MLB.com's Jane Lee. "Obviously he does it well. It's not like he's weaker from one side than the other. Obviously he's able to throw all of his pitches and spot up from both sides. It's really fun to watch. It's an anomaly for sure."

Venditte, a natural right-hander, hasn't thrown a pitch in the major leagues since being selected by the New York Yankees in the 20th round of the 2008 draft. The 29-year-old could find a home in Oakland, where his ability to capitalize on platoon advantages could appeal to a team with an acute eye for marginal competitive gains.

"Any time you get to a new team and begin a new season," Venditte said, "you want to start out on a good note, and I felt I was able to do that today."