PREVIOUSLY ON PUT ME IN
CARTER
I just threw a perfect game!
BEN
Congratulations! We need to have a big celebration for this.
A reporter approaches CARTER.
REPORTER
How does this feel, Carter, to become a baseball sensation?
CARTER
It feels unreal.
REPORTER
Well it is real. Is there anything else you’d like to tell your fans?
LEWIS runs over to the reporter and talks into the microphone.
LEWIS
I have something to say. I’ve always called this guy ‘kid’. Because that’s what he was to me, a new pitcher who had potential but was unproven.
LEWIS turns to CARTER
LEWIS
Carter, you’re no kid anymore.
_____________________________
OPEN: The dugout of the Charleston Capitols’. It is an away game.
RAY
Carter, you ready for today’s game?
CARTER
I’m as ready as I’ll ever be.
LEWIS
You better be. It’s a big game today. We’re missing some of our relief pitchers.
CARTER
Do I want to ask why?
LEWIS
Probably not.
RAY
Coach, this is the first time I’m hearing about this. Did you tell anyone else?
LEWIS
Between the three of us, some of them are having a training day. It’s like a workshop, but for baseball players.
CARTER
They have those in the middle of the season?
LEWIS
I had never heard of them either, but if a former baseball player wants to give my guys some tips, they’re all his.
BEN, approaching
What about a former baseball player?
LEWIS
He is one.
BEN
Who?
LEWIS
His name is Lorenzo. Apparently he’s a baseball legend.
CUT to LORENZO, coaching MIKE, the team’s utility relief pitcher, as well as JAMES, the team’s closer.
LORENZO
So what you do is...look, you take your arm, and then you put the ball in it, and then throw it at the guy with the glove who’s squatting next to the batter. He’s in a position like he’s about to take a dump.
MIKE
Um...thanks?
JAMES
I can see what they mean about you not being a pitching legend.
LORENZO
That I am not. But I am a good guy.
MIKE
Can’t argue with that.
CUT back to RAY, LEWIS, BEN, and CARTER in the dugout.
RAY
Are you kidding me?
LEWIS
No...go out there now, time to have fun. But most importantly, win the game.
RAY
I think we need to clear something up first: have you really never heard of Lorenzo? That guy is not famous for his baseball skills.
LEWIS
Don’t even tell me he’s a criminal.
RAY
No! He’s just...unique. Although, he almost got charged for the consumption of an illegal substance.
LEWIS
Oh wow.
RAY
It was cotton candy. Long story. I think you’re the only one in the baseball Universe who has never heard of him.
LEWIS
OK now if you don’t mind, Carter’s out on the pitching mound and everyone’s ready to start.
RAY
Fine. But don’t blame us when Carter’s pitch count gets up to 350.
RAY walks behind the plate and gets into position. CARTER throws the opening pitch. It’s a strike. RAY tosses the ball back to CARTER, but he doesn’t through the next pitch. RAY walks up to the mound.
RAY
You gonna throw a pitch or not?
CARTER
I hurt my wrist.
RAY
It’s probably just a little sore.
CARTER
No, I think I did something to it.
RAY signals to the dugout. The trainer, DANIELLE, walks to the mound.
DANIELLE
What’s going on here?
RAY
Carter hurt his wrist.
DANIELLE
He can’t do that! Some of the relievers are at a workshop! Mike is gone, and he’d come into the game in this situation.
RAY
I don’t think Lorenzo understands the concept of relievers actually pitching on a regular basis. He means well. Lewis needs a little chat with the general manager, though.
DANIELLE
They’re with Lorenzo?!?!
CARTER (visibly in pain)
Can we focus on my wrist, please?
DANIELLE
Can you move it?
CARTER
A little bit, but it hurts a lot.
DANIELLE
Do you need someone to come in for you?
CARTER
Yeah.
LEWIS (walking up to the mound)
Carter, you hurt?
CARTER
Yeah.
LEWIS
Should we turn to what’s left of our bullpen?
CARTER
Yeah. Put them in.
XAVIER, the 7th inning reliever, comes running out.
XAVIER
Just to be clear, my job is to do good in the 7th inning. Give me a pass on the others, please.
LEWIS
Just try to keep the game close. You’re a solid reliever. And hopefully we get Mike back soon. With Carter looking like this, he’s probably out for around a month.