Lourdes Gurriel Jr. makes dream MLB debut
First MLB Game. First Hit. First (three) RBI. Major League careers don’t start much better than this.
After being called up by the big club on Friday, Lourdes Gurriel Jr. knocked the first hit of his career in the top of the fourth inning at Yankees stadium off right-hander Sonny Gray. In the process, the rookie Blue Jay recorded the first two RBIs of his big league career and became just the 9th player in franchise history with a multi-RBI game in MLB debut.
The first one is always special. Congrats, @yunitogurriel! pic.twitter.com/NUHBverUZl
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) April 21, 2018
Not to be outdone by, uh, himself, Gurriel Jr., stepped to the plate with the bases loaded an inning later and delivered his second single of the night while cashing in the third ribby of his debut as Russell Martin crossed the plate. Only four other Jays have three or more RBI in first MLB start. The 24-year-old brought all the warm feels before and during his memorable first game, flashing a big smile after his first hit after posting a photo to Twitter earlier in the day with a caption professing his gratitude for the opportunity.
Ustedes ven lo mismo que yo? Díganmelo porque yo todavía estoy vivendi un sueño. Gracias Dios mío Do you see the same as me? Tell me because I am still living a dream. my God thank you @BlueJays @MLB pic.twitter.com/Dnrnz3nqmQ
— Lourdes Gurriel jr (@yunitogurriel) April 20, 2018
The infielder, who was dominating at double-A New Hampshire — slashing .347/.382/.510 through 12 games — was recalled while Gift Ngoepe along with lefty Tim Mayza were optioned to triple-A Buffalo, to make room for Gurriel Jr., and Teoscar Hernandez.
Both are expected to see playing time while third baseman Josh Donaldson works to return from a shoulder injury.
Gurriel Jr., the Blue Jays’ fifth-best prospect in 2018 according to Baseball America, inked a $22-million, seven-year deal in 2016.