Red Sox Rookie Tyler Samaniego Reflects on Debut

Tyler Samaniego, a rookie for the Red Sox, had a memorable first game in the majors. During Boston’s 5-0 victory over the Brewers at Fenway Park, he struck out in the eighth inning, but his thoughts were elsewhere—specifically on his father, who passed away prior to his debut.

“I was thinking about my father,” Samaniego shared afterward. “I lost him at 65 years old. He taught me the game at the end of the ’22 season.”

As he pitched, Samaniego sported gloves with “Rip, Pops” stitched onto them, a touching tribute to his father. “I know he was with me,” he said. “It was just amazing.”

In an impressive move, Samaniego made Red Sox history, becoming the first pitcher since 1977 to strike out on the first three outs of his career, as reported by ESPN.

Speaking about what he thought his father’s reaction might have been, Samaniego chuckled, “I can’t say it on the microphone, but I think he was very excited. He would have been ready, probably have come out from behind the dugout with a beer.”

Despite being called up from Triple-A Worcester only four hours before the game, Samaniego’s family wasn’t able to make it to Boston for this special moment.

“It started like a whirlwind,” he recalled. “I found out about 9:30 this morning since I had a midday game in Worcester. I packed my locker and came straight over here. It happened so quickly, but it was amazing.”

Before his debut, Samaniego held a 3.38 ERA over 5 1/3 innings pitched in Worcester. He was drafted by the Pirates in the 15th round of the 2021 MLB Draft but traded to the Red Sox this offseason in a deal that involved sending right-hander Johan Oviedo to Pittsburgh in exchange for top outfield prospect Jostinkson Garcia and pitcher Jesus Travieso.