When Mychal Givens’ career as a shortstop started to plateau in the Minor Leagues in 2011, the Baltimore Orioles sent him to Australia to get extra at-bats.
Ten years later, Givens was the Cincinnati Reds’ biggest trade deadline acquisition as a relief pitcher. The Reds traded for him just over a week ago, and he has pitched three scoreless innings. On Tuesday, he saved the game for the Reds in the eighth inning with an inning-ending double play, and he hasn’t allowed a run in a Reds uniform.
More:'It's really what separates him': Michael Lorenzen rescues Reds bullpen in win over Twins
But in 2011, he was just trying to figure it out as a hitter.