Since the DH rule came about, has there been an "everyday" pitcher?

Question

My wife, still learning about baseball and how it all works, asked what I thought was a good question. Has there ever been a pitcher who was also an everyday player? Someone who pitched out of the bullpen or even as a starter, but also played a position on days he didn't pitch? Or, for that matter, a pitcher who was good enough with the bat that he batted as the DH on days he pitched? I am limiting the scope to the designated hitter era only... Thanks!

Answer 1

Brooks Kieschnick is the only one somewhat close to what you've described. He played in six major league seasons (1996-97 with the Cubs, 2000 with the Reds, 2001 with the Rockies, and 2003-04 with the Brewers). When he played defense, he was usually in left or right field -- until the Brewers got him. Then he was primarily a middle-relief pitcher -- could almost say he converted -- but he did still play three games in LF and even DH'd in four interleague games. Kieschnick ended up with more games played at pitcher than all his other positions combined.

Never a great player (though he was in college), one of the few genuine two-way players since the days of Ruth.

Answer 2

No it hasn't happened. The closest I think of is Brooks Kiesnick who played for the Brewers. He came up as a position player and converted to be a releiver. He was used as pinch hitter and a bench player in addition to his pitching duties when he was brought up to the big club. This isn't exactly what you described, but its the closest that I know of.

Answer 3

Desi Relaford?

Answer 4

probably not, because they don't want to risk hurting their pitching arm