Does Jacob Steinmetz pitch on Saturdays? Exploring whether MLB's first Orthodox Jewish player can take the mound on Sabbath

Jacob Steinmetz is a young baseball player who has been making headlines in the world of sports as the first practicing Orthodox Jewish player to be selected by a Major League Baseball (MLB) team. Steinmetz was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the third round of the 2022 MLB draft and is currently playing for Team Israel in the 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC).

As an Orthodox Jew, Steinmetz observes the Sabbath, which begins at sundown on Friday and ends at sundown on Saturday. During this time, he is prohibited from engaging in certain activities, including playing baseball. This has raised questions about whether he will be able to take the mound on Saturdays if he is called up to the MLB this year.

It is important to note that Steinmetz's observance of the Sabbath is a deeply personal choice and a fundamental aspect of his faith. He has been vocal about his commitment to his religion and has stated that he will not compromise his beliefs for the sake of his baseball career.

However, this does not necessarily mean that Jacob Steinmetz will not be able to play in the MLB. There are ways in which his religious observance can be accommodated, such as scheduling his starts on days other than Saturdays or working out a rotation with other pitchers on his team.

In fact, there have been several Jewish baseball players in the past who have observed the Sabbath and have still had successful careers in the MLB. Sandy Koufax, one of the greatest pitchers of all time, famously refused to pitch on Yom Kippur, one of the holiest days in the Jewish calendar, during the 1965 World Series.

Jacob Steinmetz's MLB callup imminent after exceptional performance at the World Baseball Classic

Jacob Steinmetz, the 19-year-old pitcher for Team Israel, has been grabbing headlines in recent days because of his performances at the World Baseball Classic in Miami. Steinmetz made his debut start in the WBC against a stacked Dominican Republic lineup and stepped up to the challenge. The Arizona Diamondbacks prospect managed to strike out MLB legends Manny Machado, Jeremy Pena and Gary Sanchez all in one game. His performances have led many to tout him being called up to the major leagues this year.

While Jacob Steinmetz's observance of the Sabbath may present some logistical challenges in terms of scheduling, it is not an insurmountable obstacle. With careful planning and accommodation, it is certainly possible for Steinmetz to pursue his baseball career while still remaining true to his religious beliefs.