Infielder Tolleson pitches, gets out of jam in ninth

TORONTO - The Blue Jays brought infielder Steve Tolleson in to pitch in the top of the ninth inning in Wednesday's 15-4 loss to the Indians.

In doing so, he became the seventh position player in Toronto history to take the mound. Jeff Mathis was the last to do so, in 2012.

Tolleson relieved Neil Wagner with two outs in the ninth and the Indians leading 15-2. Wagner had given up six runs on six hits -- including a three-run homer -- and a walk over 1 1/3 innings before being pulled.

"[Wagner] was battling out there, so if I could save him a few pitches to help him get ready for his next appearance, then that's what the team needed," Tolleson said. 

Blue Jays manager John Gibbons approached Tolleson prior to the ninth inning and asked if he'd be comfortable taking the ball.

"It's one of those unique opportunities that I'll be thankful for when I'm old and grey one day, but it's unfortunate it happened the way it did," he said.

Tolleson gave up a double to Lonnie Chisenhall before getting Mike Aviles to pop out to end the inning.

He had previously pitched two scoreless innings in his career, both of which came in the Minor Leagues. He's now played every position but centre field, first base and catcher as a Major Leaguer.