Houston Astros: Zack Greinke makes World Series history

Zack Greinke has not even had to take the mound to make World Series history with the Houston Astros.

That happened when the Astros announced their batting order. Greinke, their starting pitcher for Game Four, is listed as batting eighth in the lineup. That is the first time a pitcher has hit above the ninth spot in the World Series since 1918, when Babe Ruth hit sixth in Game Four.

Zack Greinke makes history with Houston Astros

If any pitcher in this year’s World Series was to move out of the ninth spot in the lineup, it would be Greinke. He is a two time Silver Slugger winner, and has posted a respectable .225/.262/.336 batting line with nine homers and 29 doubles in exactly 600 regular season plate appearances. Greinke can swing the bat a bit.

It is, however, fair to wonder if he will even get the opportunity to in this game. He has pitched all of 2.1 innings in his two playoff appearances this year, allowing two runs on three hits and three walks. As he had all of 2.1 innings prior to the postseason since September 19, that inability to pitch deep into a game and his rust should not be a surprise.

The Astros are going to need a lot more from Greinke on Saturday. They are looking to tie the series at two games apiece, leading to a great deal of pressure on Greinke and the bullpen. With Game Five in Atlanta, Houston seemingly cannot afford to miss this opportunity.

This also means that the eighth spot in the lineup is likely to be a revolving door. Greinke may get his one plate appearance, but it is also possible he is out of the game before his spot comes up in the batting order. However, if he does get to step into the batter’s box, Greinke will make history.

Houston Astros pitcher Zack Greinke has made World Series history by being slotted in the eighth spot in the lineup. We will see if he gets his turn at bat.