Greenberg's second MLB at-bat seven years overdue

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Steve Mitchell / the associated press archives Cub Adam Greenberg after being hit in the head in his first MLB at-bat in 2005. (CP)

MIAMI -- Adam Greenberg is expected to make a pinch-hit appearance for the Miami Marlins today.

Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen had previously stated he was considering starting Greenberg in the outfield and batting leadoff for his one at-bat, but has since decided he will insert him in the game against the New York Mets at some point.

"There's a lot of stuff out there, I thought it was good idea to lead-off, but it is a little bigger deal than I thought," Guillen said before Monday's game. "We'll try to put him in the middle of the game to see that thing work."

Greenberg has been in the national spotlight when the Marlins announced last week that they would sign the 31-year-old to a one-day contract so he could receive one at-bat after getting hit in the head in his Major League debut seven years ago.

Greenberg made his big league debut on July 9, 2005 with the Chicago Cubs and was hit in the head by a pitch thrown by Marlins lefty Valerio De Los Santos in his only plate appearance. Greenberg suffered from vertigo after the incident and strived to make it back to the big league level, but did not make it higher than Double-A level in the minors.

"I think it's good for the kid," Guillen said. "We decided to do it and people have to respect that about what we're going to do with the kid. I think it's a positive. Obviously if we were in the pennant race or this game means something, or if the Mets were in the pennant race or somebody was competing against the Mets in the penant race and we have to beat them, then it's different. I dont think it's going to kill anything to get the kid an at-bat."

Mets manager Terry Collins supports the Marlins decision.

"I think it's a wonderful story," Collins said. "I know there's some pros and cons about why does he get the one at-bat when a lot of other guys -- well he did make it. He was good enough to get there at one time. Had he not got hit in the head who knows if he wouldn't have been a star today. I think it's a great story for this guy to come up with all that he's been through to try to fight back, all of the things he's had to endure, it's going to be a great story. Unfortunately he's going to have to face R.A. (Dickey)."

The Mets will send Cy Young Award candidate R.A. Dickey (20-6, 2.69 ERA) to the mound for his final campaign for the prestigous award.

Since Greenberg was hit by a pitch in his only plate appearance, it did not count as an official Major League at-bat. So Guillen wants Greenberg to go up there swinging to make sure the at-bat is official.

And if Greenberg's at-bat is a success?

"I think if the kid gets a hit in the first at-bat, he might get another one," Guillen said.

-- The Associated Press

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition October 2, 2012 D2