Madison Bumgarner is doing something that hasn't been done in 40 years

Jordan Heck

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Madison Bumgarner is doing something that hasn't been done in 40 years image

Madison Bumgarner is as big of a threat at the plate as a pitcher can be, so the Giants are letting him hit Thursday against the Athletics.

San Francisco becomes the first team in 40 years to opt out of using a designated hitter. He isn't particularly dangerous as a hitter, batting just .175, but he has 13 career home runs, which leads all active pitchers.

MORE: Bumgarner makes SN's list of top 50 baseball players

Manager Bruce Bochy offered up a simple explanation Wednesday night for why he's using Bumgarner as a hitter, "He's a good hitter, he's dangerous and we're facing a lefty [in Oakland's Dillon Overton]."

According to MLB.com, the Giants will be the first team to opt against using a DH since 1976, when the White Sox let starter Ken Brett — Hall of Fame third baseman George Brett's brother — to hit for himself.

Jordan Heck

Jordan Heck Photo

Jordan Heck is a Social Media Producer at Sporting News. Before working here, he was a Digital Content Producer at The Indianapolis Star. He graduated with a degree from Indiana University.