Cubs' Anthony Rizzo Makes MLB Pitching Debut

CHICAGO, IL — Fans were bewildered and impressed when Anthony Rizzo took the mound Monday for his pitching debut. The Cubs' first baseman made his first career pitching appearance during the team's 7-1 loss against the Arizona Diamondbacks. It's no secret that Rizzo had been asking manager Joe Maddon to let him pitch for quite some time.

"Dreams do come true," the Cubs tweeted, with a picture of Rizzo on the mound.

After the first inning starter Luke Farrell allowed five runs, it became clear Rizzo might get his shot, and Maddon finally gave it to him.

With two outs in the ninth, A.J. Pollock stepped up to the plate and faced Rizzo.

"Anthony Rizzo's first pitch was 53.6 mph but he ramped it up to 62 mph to retire AJ Pollock," MLB analyst Andrew Simon tweeted. "Love seeing pitchers reach back for a little extra in a big spot."

Rizzo said he was happy with just two pitches.

"The end. That's it. It was awesome. I promised Joe I wouldn't blow out [my arm]," Rizzo said. "I've been working on that for six or seven years now every day during BP. It was pretty crazy standing on that mound."

Rizzo said he doesn't plan to pitch again.

Photo by David Banks/Getty Images