Report: Bautista working out as pitcher, likely to play 1B in Olympic qualifiers
Six-time All-Star Jose Bautista plans to suit up for the Dominican Republic during Olympic qualifiers on March 22-26 in Tempe and Surprise, Arizona, sources told Jeff Passan of ESPN.
Bautista is expected to play first base, according to Passan, who also reports that the 39-year-old "spent this winter working out as a pitcher in hopes of returning as a two-way player."
I've seen video of Jose Bautista throwing a bullpen session. Couldn't tell the velocity, but one source said he can run his fastball up to 94. His slider had legitimate tilt -- threw a short one and a bigger bender. @STR0 said in January he could pitch in a big league bullpen.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) March 2, 2020
Bautista's former teammate Marcus Stroman confirmed on Twitter that the slugger has a strong pitching repertoire.
Facts! @JoeyBats19 https://t.co/qnkQI95MmQ
— Marcus Stroman (@STR0) March 2, 2020
The Toronto Blue Jays legend last appeared in the majors in 2018. He played 1,202 of his 1,653 career games in the outfield but started at first just 18 times across 15 seasons.
Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco, the consensus top prospect in baseball, will also play for the Dominican team, according to Passan.
The Dominican Republic, the United States, Canada, Colombia, Cuba, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela are among the teams vying for the single qualifying spot given to the winner of the tournament.
MLB and MLBPA agreed last Friday to allow non-active players on 40-man rosters to play in Olympic qualifiers.