Erik Kratz, who tossed an ineffective inning for the Astros in an 11-1 rout by the Angels in April, becomes the first player in the modern era to catch and pitch for two teams in the same season when he throws a scoreless ninth inning in relief in the Pirates’ 15-4 loss to the Giants at PNC Park. The 36 year-old journeyman backstop, who was obtained from the Halos earlier in the month, allows two hits, striking Brandon Belt for the first out of the frame.

ByThis Day in Baseball

On June 21, 2016 Erik Kratz, who tossed an ineffective inning for the Astros in an 11-1 rout by the Angels in April, becomes the first player in the modern era to catch and pitch for two teams in the same season when he throws a scoreless ninth inning in relief in the Pirates’ 15-4…