Giants to Let Pitcher Bumgarner Hit in Interleague Game, Will Become First Team to Forego DH in 40 years

Who needs the designated hitter?

When the San Francisco Giants of the National League play the American League’s Oakland Athletics in Oakland on Thursday evening in an interleague game, the Giants will not use a designated hitter and let pitcher Madison Bumgarner hit for himself.

The Giants will reportedly be the first “team in four decades to give up the designated hitter spot.”

Bumgarner even lobbied this year to participate in the Home Run Derby and has two home runs this season. He routinely hits tape-measure home runs in batting practice.

“Mad Bum” also has two career home runs off the Dodgers Clayton Kershaw, who is arguably the game’s most dominant pitcher.

Bumgarner will hit tomorrow. First time a manager intentionally gives up the DH since 1976

— Andrew Baggarly (@extrabaggs) June 30, 2016

 

Looking pretty 😄 in an AL Park… #SFGiants pic.twitter.com/xZvawK4Vwg

— San Francisco Giants (@SFGiants) June 30, 2016