VIERA, Fla. — Hitting off the bench is one of the most difficult roles in baseball. The unpredictable nature of the job makes it difficult for players to establish a rhythm at the plate, and limited opportunities add an extra level of pressure. It’s not for everyone.
Mike Carp said he has succeeded in that role because he’s embraced it. At various points over the course of his major league career, he has been asked to come off the bench and make an impact. He’s confident he can do the same in Washington, if such an opportunity presents itself.
“It’s pretty tough to do in the American League and [I] had some success over there,” Carp said. “To come over to the National League, it’s more my style of play, more opportunities to come up. Whereas in the American League, you might get one pinch-hit at-bat a week, whereas here, you’ll probably get one almost every game. So hopefully the opportunities will be there and [I can] hopefully capitalize on them.”
The 28-year-old was drafted by the New York Mets but made it to the big leagues in the AL with the Seattle Mariners. He was later traded to the Boston Red Sox and served as a backup first baseman and outfielder on the 2013 team that went on to win the World Series. Last season, after being designated for assignment by Boston, he was claimed off waivers by the Rangers.
Carp hit .175 in 149 plate appearances in 2014 while spending time on the disabled list with a fractured right foot. He described the season as “up and down” and said he was simply never able to get his swing on track.
“Just kind of a bummer of a year,” Carp said. “I’m excited to be here and get after it again and get back to winning.”
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Carp decided to sign with Washington because he played under manager Matt Williams in the Arizona Fall League and knew there would be opportunities with the Nationals. “They have a need for a left-handed bat, a bench guy, and that’s what I do,” he said.
The California native considers himself a first baseman primarily, but he also has the ability to play outfield. Williams said Carp will play both positions this spring and receive ample at-bats so the team can see what he’s capable of doing.
“He handles himself well at the plate,” Williams said. “He’s got a good knowledge of the strike zone and can put together that [quality] at-bat for you. And he knows that that’s kind of where he’s at right now and he works on that. He takes his batting practice and his work very seriously and understands that on any given day, he may get one shot and he needs to make it count. So he works hard at that.”
Carp said he spent the offseason “clearing the head” and getting healthy. His wife also gave birth to the couple’s second daughter this winter, so he spent a lot of time just being a dad.
Carp was not heralded as a major signing when he joined the Nationals in January, but he would fill an obvious need on the roster. He could back up Ryan Zimmerman at first base and provide a left-handed complement to Zimmerman there. His ability to play the outfield only strengthens his case.
In the end, Carp’s chances of making the Nationals’ 25-man roster will largely depend on his ability to hit off the bench. Fortunately for him, that’s a role he has long been comfortable filling.
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“I’ve been fortunate to be with a lot of great players that filled that role, Jonny Gomes being one of them, trying to watch what he does every day,” Carp said. “And just sort of embracing that role really helps, too. Like I said, any time I get the opportunity, I’m waiting for it, I’m itching for it and hopefully I can capitalize and succeed in that moment.”
• Tom Schad can be reached at tschad@washingtontimes.com.
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