The legend of Charlie Culberson grows by the nanosecond. After spending the bulk of his career as a clutch pinch-hitter and Dansby Swanson’s older doppelgänger brother when they both played for the Atlanta Braves, Culberson is trying to make the 2024 Braves as a pitcher. Who does Culberson think he is, Charlie Throwberson? Honestly, why not? I am in the interesting business, and this sustains me.
During his spring training debut, Culberson apparently pitched one inning of scoreless relief. He may have allowed a single to Rene Pinto, but he forced two ground outs and got another hitter for the Tampa Bay Rays to pop up. So Culberson is a contact pitcher? We can only hope he induces more groundballs than flyballs for whenever the Braves play in the Philadelphia Phillies’ miniscule ballpark.
With upwards of two relief pitcher spots available to be had in spring training, I am all for Culberson replacing Jackson Stephens as the Braves’ 12th man. No, this isn’t football, but the same principle applies. When the Braves need some relief, Stephens looked like a guy crushing Coors Lights at the Chop House, who was ready to toe the rubber and give the people what they wanted: Undeniable gas.
Culberson hails from Braves Country anyway, so he might be ready for the role of a lifetime with this.
For those who have never been to the Chop House before, this is where you enjoy the finer things in life while casually watching Braves baseball. It is more about booing Bryce Harper relentlessly in between devouring hot dogs than anything. Just remember, your beloved Atlanta Braves have won more World Series Championships throughout Harper’s illustrious career in the NL East than … him!
