PREVIOUSLY ON PUT ME IN
CARTER walks out of the office and back to the dugout. LEWIS approaches him.
LEWIS
What’d she say?
CARTER
I’m not supposed to tell you this, but I might get traded. David might too.
LEWIS
Don’t worry, you need to remember that talks of you being traded or released have gone around before. This kind of stuff just happens.
CARTER
I’m a little worried that they’re not going to keep me on the team much longer. I like it here!
LEWIS
I’m sure wherever you end up, your talents won’t be wasted. Now get out of here, get some rest.
CARTER leaves, having mixed feelings about the team’s dynamics.
_______________________________
OPEN: CARTER is in the dugout, sitting next to BEN. The game is about to begin.
BEN
How does it feel to be in the lineup today?
CARTER
What do you mean, how does it feel? I’m not pitching today.
BEN
Oh. Nobody told you?
CARTER
I just pitched yesterday. Remember?
BEN
I know that.
CARTER
Then why did you say I’m pitching today?
BEN
I never said that.
CARTER
Alright, I’m confused.
BEN yells to LEWIS. LEWIS walks over.
LEWIS
What’s going on?
BEN
Tell Carter what his situation is.
LEWIS
Oh! Yeah. Carter, you pitched yesterday and you pitched well.
CARTER
I realize I pitched yesterday. And thank you.
BEN
Not that!
LEWIS
You mean the other thing?
BEN
I think so. Depends on what words are about to come out of your mouth.
LEWIS
So Carter, there’s a bunch of people who aren’t coming to the game today. It’s all precautionary.
CARTER
I just pitched yesterday, I’m sorry Lewis but I really don’t think I have it in me to pitch again. Plus, I saw David around today so I know he’s not out.
DAVID walks over.
DAVID
I’m not out, but I’m gonna get a lot of batters out when I pitch today. A lot more than you do.
LEWIS
David, we went over this. You’re in for six innings maximum, just like everyone else.
DAVID
I’m still better than Carter.
LEWIS
Whatever. I’m trying to tell Carter about his situation today.
DAVID
Please tell me he’s getting traded. Or better yet, released.
CARTER
I’m right here, David.
DAVID
I know. Why else would I be saying this right now?
CARTER
Also, can someone just tell me what’s going on?
RAY walks over.
RAY
Hey Carter, you ready to play today?
CARTER
Is this a joke?
RAY
No, you’re in the batting lineup.
CARTER
Hilarious. Seriously, what’s happening.
LEWIS
Exactly what he just said.
CARTER
Is that true, Ben? David?
BEN
I’m afraid so.
DAVID
They got me in the lineup today too.
CARTER
So you’re pitching and batting?
DAVID
Of course!
CARTER
When am I batting?
LEWIS
You’re leading off.
CARTER
I’m first?!
LEWIS
Yeah, but don’t think of it that way. Think of is as lead-off.
CARTER
That’s the same thing.
DAVID
You gonna get up and bat or what? They’re waiting for you.
CARTER rushes to put on a helmet and find a bat.
DAVID
That’s my helmet and my bat. I’m batting second.
CARTER rushes to put on another helmet and find another bat.
CARTER
Wish me luck everyone.
BEN
Good luck Carter!
CARTER walks up to the plate. He looks at strikes one and two. He swings at a ball below his knees for strike three and walks back to the dugout. DAVID smiles at him as they walk by each other.
CARTER
That went about as good as I had expected.
LEWIS
Don’t worry, there’s always next time.
RAY
Plus, David will probably strike ou—nope, that’s a hit.
BEN
Wow, David is a better batter than Carter!
CARTER stares in shock. DAVID looks at the dugout from first base, smiling at CARTER.
BEN
Don’t worry about it Carter, we all make mistakes sometimes.
CARTER
Mistakes? I’m not a batter!
BEN
Just keep trying your best and I’m sure you’ll make contact with the ball eventually.
CARTER strikes out three more times in a row before the game ends. He is met by DAVID in the locker room.
DAVID
Hey Carter.
CARTER
What do you want?
DAVID
Seems like I got more hits than you today. And I wasn’t terrible, like you were a couple outings ago.
CARTER
I get your point, you hate me and want my position. Have you thought about trying to get on another team?
DAVID
I think I’m very close to it.
CARTER
Glad to hear it. It’d probably be best for both of us.
DAVID
It won’t be best for the team, though.
CARTER
They know I can pitch. I’m just not a good batter. You know, because I’m a pitcher.
DAVID
Plus, you’re prone to injury.
CARTER
It was a minor injury that happened once.
DAVID
Well, we’ll see which one of us they like better.
CARTER
They’ve already decided on me.
DAVID
I could change their minds.
DAVID walks away. CARTER gathers his belongings and leaves.