A.J. Pierzynski was a bargain for the Atlanta Braves after signing a one-year, $2 million contract.
The 38-year-old Pierzynski did it all: Hit for average, hit for power — and on Sunday, hit some tool-shaped mascots trying to race on the warning track.
The tool characters race during every Braves home game.
Pierzynski emerged from the centre-field wall during the race between the fifth and sixth innings of the second game of a doubleheader. He levelled the paint brush and hammer characters with body blocks.
Pierzynski was held out of Sunday's doubleheader against the Cardinals with knee and shin injuries.
The smallest character, "Phil the Bucket," ran away from Pierzynski, back to the start line. The drill bit won the race.
The Braves hope to re-sign Pierzynski, who hit .300 with nine homers and 49 RBIs.
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