Why Braves pitcher Victor Mederos hit and made history with 2-RBI single

Pitchers don't hit in Major League Baseball anymore.At least not unless you're Atlanta Braves right-hander Victor Mederos on Friday night against the Texas Rangers, who stepped into the box at home late in an Atlanta blowout.Mederos didn't just hit -- he ripped a two-run single.It was the first time a pitcher had hit in MLB this year, and it was the first career hit for Mederos.— MLB (@MLB) July 18, 2026The hit did come against a position player pitching -- Kyle Higashioka is normally a catcher.Still, it was a fun moment for the Braves.MORE: How Jordan Walker overcame the bust labelWhy did Braves pitcher Victor Mederos hit?Mederos hit because the Braves didn't want to use another reliever in the blowout win, and they wanted to get some starters out of the game.They took Matt Olson out from