by As Grayson Rodriguez’s impressive five-inning MLB debut wrapped up, the right-hander had an opportunity to reconnect with his greatest support: his father.
His family members were in the game room at Globe Life Field, not far from the visiting clubhouse. Shortly after Rodriguez entered the room, he shared a warm hug with his father, Gilbert.
Tears began to stream down Rodriguez’s face as he rested on his father’s shoulder.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Grayson Rodriguez #30 of the Baltimore Orioles throws a pitch during his Major League debut against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field on April 5, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ben Ludeman/Texas Rangers/Getty Images)
The emotions of Rodriguez’s big day spilled over. At the time, no one cared about the Orioles’ 5-2 loss to the Rangers because the 23-year-old pitcher had just experienced his life’s dream come true in his home state.
BREWERS OUTFIELD SAYS ‘SOMETHING GOOD USUALLY HAPPENS’ IN WIFE’S ABSENCE AFTER HITTING RUN-OFF WALK-OFF
“I grew up watching the Texas Rangers. I have a lot of memories in the old ballpark,” said Rodriguez, the Orioles’ top prospect. “To get to come and pitch here is very special.”
Rodríguez’s path to the big leagues was not as easy as he probably expected. He was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk on the last day of spring training after he didn’t perform well enough to make Baltimore’s rotation.
Grayson Rodriguez #30 of the Baltimore Orioles prepares to throw during the first inning of his Major League Baseball debut against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field on April 5, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
But when Kyle Bradish suffered a foot injury, Rodriguez was called up to the big leagues.
“Grayson was the next starting pitcher,” manager Brandon Hyde said. “We broke up with five guys who had great spring training. Grayson just missed the chance to break up with us, but we knew he’d be there soon at some point, and it just worked out for him.”
ANGELS’ SHOHEI OHTANI IS A VICTIM OF NEW ERA PITCH CLOCK, MAKES A NASTY STORY
Two-time Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom was on the mound for the Rangers. But when Rodriguez took the mound in the first inning, he had to throw 30 pitches to get three outs.
He said his nerves were so intense from the start that he could barely feel the baseball when it was in his hands. He went on to give up two earned runs in the first frame.
Grayson Rodriguez #30 of the Baltimore Orioles and Adley Rutschman #35 return to the dugout prior to Rodriguez’s Major League debut against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field on April 5, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
But he eventually settled in and retired 13 of the last 15 batters he’s faced. Rodríguez finished the night with 83 pitches, 53 of which were strikes.
“The second inning felt like a normal game,” Rodriguez said. “The first entry I felt like I was on an island.”
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
It’s unclear if Rodriguez’s next start will be in the majors or the minors.
Orioles manager Brandon Hyde did not commit to Rodriguez making another start.
If Rodriguez’s number is called again, he said he’ll be up for the task. “If they want to give me another start,” Rodriguez said, “I’ll be ready.”
