It turns out, not everyone can pull a Kenley Jansen and convert from a position player to a dominant relief pitcher. Not even another Netherlands World Baseball Classic catcher from Willemstead, Curacao.
Dashenko Ricardo, whom the Dodgers signed to a minor league contract in March, has scrapped any thoughts of a conversion to the mound. The 23-year-old had six strikeouts in three innings two years ago in the Arizona League with the Giants, but also allowed three runs. More importantly, his right arm was hurt.
So it's back to catcher for Ricardo, who is with the Class-A Great Lakes Loons, and is hitting .265/.316/.324 in 11 games.
"I’m sure his success had a lot to do with the idea that I could pitch," Ricardo told Hugh Bernreuter of Michigan Live. "I don’t know if it was mechanics, but it worked for him. I liked to pitch, but for me, it just hurt my arm."
There is still hope, however, for Pedro Baez, who moved from third base to the mound during the offseason. Baez has a 4.50 ERA in nine games in the California League with Class-A Rancho Cucamonga, with nine strikeouts and three walks in 10 innings.