Many rookies have made their MLB debuts this season, but none were as eventful as Cleveland Guardians prospect Jhonkensy Noel’s first at-bat.
Facing Baltimore Orioles starter Grayson Rodriguez in the second inning Wednesday, Noel held the first pitch of the 1-ball. Then came a 97 mph fastball in the zone where Noel fouled out and lost his bat. in the process. As if he was slipping out of her hands.
That fun moment got even better on the next pitch, when Noel hit another 97 mph fastball into the home bullpen at Camden Yards.
Among the spectators was the Guardian’s Triple-A team in Columbus, which spent a rain delay watching its recent teammate open his MLB career with a home run.
That’s the first career hit and home run for Noel, who finished the day 1 for 4 with that home run and two strikeouts. However, the Orioles won 4-2 when Rodríguez recovered from the home run to pitch seven innings with two earned runs allowed.
Noel is ranked as the No. 26 prospect in Cleveland’s system according to MLB Channeling, with his power naturally considered his best tool. Before his call-up, he was hitting .295/.359/.578 with 18 home runs in 65 games for Columbus.
