MLB debut: Catchers
The grind of a long season typically leads to a third catcher being one of the call-ups for a major league club in September, so having multiple catchers make their MLB debut is no surprise.
Considered a polished catcher entering the season, Aramis Garcia has had the unfortunate role of being behind arguably the best catcher in the game with Buster Posey ahead of him in San Francisco. With Posey’s surgery leading to a cloudy future behind the plate, this next month could be an audition for Garcia.
If that’s the case, he nailed the first audition on Friday against the Mets, catching a shutout game behind the plate and going 2-4 at the plate with a home run and 2 RBI at the plate.
The Indians have relied heavily on their two catchers, so bringing up Eric Haase should allow them to get both guys rest as they prepare for the postseason. He got into his first game action on Sunday, picking up one at-bat against the Rays and finishing out the game behind the plate.
Beau Taylor has jokingly been called “Jake” by teammates in the minor leagues, a reference to the aged catcher character in the movie Major League, though perhaps Bull Durham might be a better reference for the 8-year minor league veteran who finally made his MLB debut on September 1 against Seattle as a defensive replacement in the 9th inning. He’s still waiting on his first plate appearance.
With a few options in the upper minors, a number of Royals insiders were surprised to see Meibrys Viloria get the call for September jumping all the way from high-A ball, but he made his mark already. He made his debut Sunday, going 1-3 with a double and a walk, driving in 2 runs and scoring one as well.