Diamondbacks’ Jose Fernandez Becomes Seventh Player To Hit Two HRs In Debut

Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Jose Fernandez hit two home runs in his MLB debut against the Detroit Tigers.

He became the seventh player since 1900 to hit two home runs in his MLB debut. The Diamondbacks defeated the Tigers 7-5.

The Tigers quickly took a 5-0 lead in the top of the third inning. Fernandez hit his first home run in the bottom of the fourth inning off Casey Mize. Mize threw a hanging slider that Fernandez hit 408 feet to left field. This was the Diamondbacks’ first run of the game.

The Diamondbacks had a huge rally in the bottom of the eighth inning. By the time Fernandez came up, it was a one-run game. Geraldo Perdomo and Alek Thomas were on base. Veteran reliever Kenley Jansen threw a hanging cutter that went 409 feet to left-center. This home run gave the Diamondbacks a 7-5 lead that they held on to in the top of the ninth inning.

Fernandez is only ranked as the No. 27 prospect in the Diamondbacks system. Fernandez showed defensive potential and the ability to hit left-handed pitchers. However, his stats against right-handed pitchers made scouts worried about his ability to play every day. Regardless, the Diamondbacks protected him from the Rule 5 Draft this offseason. 

Both Mize and Jansen are right-handed pitchers. If Fernandez is able to hit right-handed pitchers at the major league level, he could become one of the game’s greatest players. 

He was the first player since Trevor Story to hit two home runs in a debut game. Story went on to hit 27 home runs in his rookie season in 2016. Story finished fourth in National League Rookie of the Year voting. 

Fernandez was called up to replace Pavin Smith, who had left elbow inflammation. Smith is expected back on April 8.