Josh Sborz followed Rangers’ orders, but that didn’t stop ‘endless’ ribbing

(AP photo/Richard W. Rodriguez)

ARLINGTON — The railbirds down in the bullpen knew the situation. Anyone who had been paying attention to the Rangers’ game Saturday night new the situation.

Relief pitcher Josh Sborz had to bat with one out in the eighth inning of an 18-3 game, against a position player no less. On deck was Adolis Garcia, who was bidding for his fourth home run of the game.

A Sborz double play would prevent that. There is always the possibility of an injury whenever a relief pitcher takes a hack, too.

Bruce Bochy knew what was up. The manager gave Sborz the strict order to not swing the bat, and the right-hander complied. He even told the A’s catcher and the pitcher, Jace Peterson, that the bat would not leave his shoulders.

It never did. Garcia got his chance, though he doubled instead of homering, and Sborz worked the ninth to finish off the win.

But none of that prevented what followed the at-bat, almost instantaneously.