PREVIOUSLY ON PUT ME IN:
CARTER
You realize I’m not a good second baseman, right? Or a second baseman at all?
LEWIS
Hey, it was worth a shot. You’ll stick to pitching from here on out though.
CARTER
Thanks?
CARTER walks away, happy with his overall performance.
LEWIS (to RAY)
I have an idea.
RAY
What is it?
LEWIS
I’ll tell you later. Good game today!
_________________
CARTER is in the dugout. LEWIS approaches him.
LEWIS
You know that idea I had?
CARTER
Yes, I’ve been thinking about it nonstop ever since you said it. Why’d you wait?
LEWIS
I didn’t want to tell you too much at once. Your attention span is short.
CARTER
It is?
LEWIS
So anyways, you’re not playing second base anymore.
CARTER
You said that already, and I would really hope not.
LEWIS
But I do have an idea.
CARTER
I know. You said it.
LEWIS
I said the idea?
CARTER
No, you said you had an idea. We’re getting nowhere here.
LEWIS
Oh yeah! My idea. So, it’s to have Ben play second base.
CARTER
Ben always plays second base.
BEN walks over.
BEN
What about me playing second base?
CARTER
It’s your position.
BEN
No kidding.
CARTER
It was Lewis’ new idea. At least that’s what he says.
BEN
Lewis, you’re not going to tell him.
CARTER
Tell me what? How come everyone finds out things about me before I do?!
LEWIS
You’re not ace anymore.
CARTER
What do you mean, I’m not ace? I’m our best pitcher.
LEWIS
Yeah, well David said he’d walk if he wasn’t ace and we didn’t want him to leave the team.
CARTER
I wouldn’t mind it so much.
LEWIS
You two will just have to learn to get along.
CARTER
Learn to get along?! He took my spot!!
LEWIS
I get that you’re frustrated. It’s for the best, though.
CARTER walks away, furious. He meets RAY at the other side of the bench.
CARTER
Did you hear about this, Ray? They’re giving David my spot!
RAY
It’s not a big deal, you’ll still be pitching just as often as him.
CARTER
If it’s not a big deal, why would they have to change it in the first place?
RAY
Beats me. David is just causing trouble. You ready for today’s game?
CARTER chuckles.
RAY
No seriously, are you ready?
CARTER
I’m only on the bench for now. I’ll be watching the game in the clubhouse.
RAY
You’re pitching today.
CARTER
But I just pitched yesterday.
RAY
Yes, because you were the ace pitcher yesterday. Now they’ve moved you to number two in the rotation. Number two pitches today.
CARTER
You’re kidding.
RAY
Nope. Give it your best.
CARTER walks onto the mound. RAY walks behind the plate in his gear. CARTER ends up throwing six scoreless innings. After, he goes to the clubhouse and talks to NIC.
CARTER
I can’t believe this.
NIC
Me neither. They’re prioritizing David over the sake of the team.
CARTER
At least I can say I pitched two great games in two consecutive days. But this should not be happening. I was getting used to being the star.
NIC
Guess it wasn’t meant to last.
CARTER
I’m being mistreated.
NIC
Leave then.
CARTER
Huh?
NIC
If you feel so strongly about this, you should think about leaving the team. I’m sure there are plenty of teams that would be willing to take you.
CARTER
And David’s staying?
NIC
Doesn’t seem like David’s going anywhere.
CARTER
I have to get my position in the rotation back. Next time, I have to throw a perfect game. That’ll show them.
NIC
Think you can do it?
CARTER
I’ve done it before. I’ll have to be optimistic.
CARTER leaves the clubhouse.