New Toronto Blue Jays Pitcher Makes History For Cuban-Born Players on Saturday
Toronto Blue Jays' starting pitcher Yariel Rodriguez made his first Major League appearance on Saturday afternoon and he made some team history in the process.
Toronto Blue Jays' starting pitcher Yariel Rodriguez made an excellent first impression on Saturday afternoon. Making his first career appearance, and first career start, he tossed 3.2 innings in a win against the Colorado Rockies.
Rodriguez, who signed a five-year contract this offseason, allowed one earned run on four hits. He walked two and struck out six.
The Cuban-born pitcher also made some unique and special team history when he took the mound, according to Cuban Baseball Insider Francys Romero:
Yariel Rodriguez will become the first Cuban-born player to start a game for the Toronto Blue Jays since their founding as an MLB franchise in 1977.
In 2018, Kendrys Morales did appear in a game as a pitcher for the Blue Jays but in a position player role.
Rodriguez pitched for Team Cuba in the World Baseball Classic last season and generated a lot of buzz in free agency this year before heading to Toronto. He started the year in Triple-A because he was slowed in spring training by a visa issue, and then a back issue.
With the 5-3 win, the Blue Jays are now 7-8 on the season. The loss dropped the Rockies to 4-11 as they continue to play to projections that see them as one of the worst teams in the league.
The two teams will play again on Sunday with Kyle Freeland (0-2, 16.03 ERA) pitching against Jose Berrios (2-0, 1.45).
First pitch from Rogers Centre is set for 1:37 p.m. ET. The Blue Jays will play the Yankees beginning Monday.
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