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Adbert Alzolay was mocked by his teammates after tipping his cap quite emphatically. (Credit: @Cubs on Twitter)
Adbert Alzolay was mocked by his teammates after tipping his cap quite emphatically. (Credit: @Cubs on Twitter)

WATCH: Cubs players troll Adbert Alzolay in handshake line


by - Senior Writer -

CHICAGO — For a big-league rookie, no matter how well he performs, hazing of some form or fashion is always a possibility. Chicago Cubs pitcher Adbert Alzolay learned that the hard way when he made his MLB debut on Thursday night, pitching four efficient innings out of the bullpen after being called up earlier in the day. Alzolay struck out five and earned the winning decision for his efforts but became the brunt of a joke once the game ended.

Alzolay, who was widely considered the top pitching prospect in the Cubs' farm system prior to being promoted, received a standing ovation from the Wrigley Field faithful upon exiting the game in the top of the ninth. Naturally, the right-hander tipped his cap to the supporters in a display of gratitude. Unfortunately for Alzolay, the hat tip presented his teammates with the opportunity to troll him.

Poking fun at the fact that Alzolay tipped his cap after pitching four innings of relief, the Cubs opted to switch up the normal handshake-line routine that followed the 7-4 win over the New York Mets by trading in the high-fives for high-hats. By raising their hats and swatting them into other players' hats while going through the line, Cubs players mocked Alzolay's expressive hat tip, which saw Alzolay completely remove his cap and raise it high above his head instead of performing a simple tip.

True to form, Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo seemed to lead the way in the trolling of Alzolay, and the team jokester continued to bust Alzolay's chops following the game. During his locker-room media session, Rizzo praised Alzolay for his solid outing but also curbed the hype by saying that Alzolay needs to get some more big-league experience under his belt before "we crown him the next Pedro Martinez." All in good fun, Rizzo provided Alzolay with the rookie treatment, even after the youngster pitched a gem. Some things will never change.

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