“We were just sitting there and Charlie went down and we kinda looked around, like this is why we are here,” Davidson stated. “I stayed up and had a feeling that this might be me. It was just a gut feeling.
He received a call from Ben Sestanovich at the Braves assistant general manager for player growth, shortly before 1 AM.
Within 24 hours, the rookie left-hander from Amarillo (Texas), a 25-year old pitcher with only five big league games experience, was sitting in Minute Maid Park’s interview room. He had been added to Atlanta’s World Series roster following Charlie Morton’s right fibula being broken in the opening 6-2 victory over the Houston Astros.
“I discovered, went to the clubhouse approximately five minutes from my hotel and packed all my stuff and just kinda threw everything in a bag. “Then I proceeded to load my car again because all my stuff from the apartment was in my car. So I just threw everything on to the hotel floor and then started packing.
Davidson rode an Uber Wednesday night for the approximately one-hour trip to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. He then traveled to Houston, where he donned jersey No. 64
Morton was hit by Yuli Gurriel’s liner and went to Green Bay (Wisconsin) on Wednesday to be examined in an orthopedic foot-and-ankle specialist, Dr. Robert Anderson.
The Braves placed Morton on the injures list and activated Davidson from their 60-day IL.
Brian Snitker, Braves manager, said that “he gives us an option today, if needed.” “We were dealt an enormous blow. We’re going to have to adapt and make it through it as best we can.”
Davidson stated that it was too late to fly to Houston with family, but Andrea Hanson and her aunt Heidi Hanson plan to attend Game 3 at Atlanta’s Truist park on Friday.
He said that Atlanta would love to sell tickets in three minutes so we are kind of fighting that. “Can’t even find any hotel at this stage.”
Davidson was a 19th-round draft selection from Midland College in 2016. He made his big league debut against Boston on Sept. 26, 2016, allowing seven runs, two earned, over a 1 1/3-inning run that took 99 pitches. Bobby Dalbec opened the scoring after a scoreless start with a 2-run homer.
Donaldson started this year at Gwinnett. He was then called up in May, but didn’t make a decision during a six-inning game against the Mets. He pitched another shutout game against Philadelphia and Washington before giving up five runs in 2/3 innings against Boston. His season ERA was 3.60.
Davidson was injured on June 16 due to left forearm inflammation. He didn’t pitch again until October 3 against Jackson at Triple-A.
He said, “It’s certainly taught me to grow and be able understand that things don’t always happen as quickly as you would like.” There were many times when I felt like I wanted to throw a ball, but my body wasn’t ready for it. It was a difficult decision to slow down and it will continue to benefit me throughout my career.”
Davidson ended the Triple-A season 2-2 and had a 1.17 ERA in four games. Since then, he has been pitching simulation games.
Snitker stated that “reports were really good about how he was throwing and he feels great.” “He did a great job when he came to us the first time.”
Davidson’s fastball is about 93 mph, and he adds a curve, slider and changeup to it.
“Pitching in Texas will be amazing. He said that he hasn’t pitched since college. It will be an unforgettable experience. It was an honor to be able to make my World Series debut in the postseason. I doubt many people will have that opportunity.
He had already thought about how he would relax on the final stage of baseball.
He said, “Whenever the moment becomes big, kinda of finding something that can take your attention off of everything.” It could be the Coca-Cola sign, or the foul pole, depending on the situation. Take a moment to take a look at it, and then calm down. Let’s do this pitch!
