SAN FRANCISCO – In a clever interpretation of the annual rookie hazing dress-up gag, the Diamondbacks’ veteran players had slugger Peter O’Brien don the catching gear for the flight to San Francisco on Thursday afternoon.
For now, it seems, it might have been nothing more than a funny reference to O’Brien’s past. But, from the sound of it, the Diamondbacks are hoping it’s also a nod to the future.
O’Brien has been getting in work at the catching position since joining the team as a September call-up earlier this month, helping in the bullpen before games, warming up pitchers between innings and even going through throwing drills this week.