Zack Greinke joined exclusive company on Saturday when he became just the fifth pitcher in MLB history to strike out 1,000 different batters. As cool as the milestone was for the future Hall of Famer, Greinke still went into the game with his own unique approach to baseball.
He didn’t wait long to try something new out there.
Facing the Brewers’ Jesse Winker in the first inning, Greinke — who typically calls his own pitches in a PitchCom role reversal — decided that he wanted catcher Salvador Perez to take over the pitch-calling duties with Winker facing a 1-2 count.
He signaled to Perez as if to say “your turn” and let the Royals catcher lead the approach to Winker.
Zack Greinke alternating pitch calling with Salvy.
I feel like they're just having a contest to see who's better at it. pic.twitter.com/HexGHrjKAB
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) May 14, 2023
I could see pitchers and catchers changing the approach with each batter, but only Greinke would do something like that in the middle of an at-bat. After all, this is the same pitcher who shakes off his own pitch calls.
The strategy worked too because Winker would strike out in the at-bat. MLB fans also enjoyed this latest delightful moment from Greinke.
This was how Twitter reacted
A national treasure that should be protected at all costs https://t.co/EQktyb1D61
— Brandon (@brandonnagy) May 14, 2023
I’m gonna miss this cat when he retires. He’s just so damn entertaining. https://t.co/VHo88UhVlP
— Chris Henderson (@Baseball4Brains) May 14, 2023
I’m probably alone on this but i’d love Zack Greinke on the O’s. Seems like he’s having fun this year and just bringing good vibes. https://t.co/P1cQ6p3mZ7
— It’s Johnny Harbaugh (@HarbsBurner) May 14, 2023
This is so cool https://t.co/ZRcCkXU39P
— Behind the Monster's Wall (@monsters_wall) May 14, 2023
No you go, no you go https://t.co/KxI1R5lltT
— ZG (@ZGordz) May 14, 2023
every new funny think greinke does makes me love him more and more. cherish this guy while he's still in the league folks he's special https://t.co/l6Ces4p4Rc
— shpee (@shpeeven) May 14, 2023
I think Zack pitches til he’s 100 https://t.co/mFJqBwpxir
— Babe Truth (@veryhotsoup) May 14, 2023
Greinke is a treasure https://t.co/JffSuVBPyz
— Rusty Plunkett (@PlunkR19) May 14, 2023
It’s their cute little game https://t.co/IschQ4Y9ZB
— eriKCa (@keepingsanewth4) May 14, 2023
Greinke must be protected.
