Diamondbacks rookie Jose Fernandez creates MLB history, crushes two HRs in debut

Diamondbacks rookie Jose Fernandez creates MLB history, crushes two HRs in debut originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Approaching third base at Chase Field, Arizona Diamondbacks rookie Jose Fernandez paused his home-run trot to release an imaginary basketball jump shot.

Swish.

Both times.

Fernandez, the No. 23,636 player in MLB history, became the eighth player to debut with a pair of homers. His second, a three-run shot in the eighth inning off Detroit Tigers reliever Kenley Jansen, capped the Diamondbacks’ five-run comeback, earning a 7-5 victory.

The league’s active saves leader with 477, Jansen was the 19,788th player to dress in an MLB game.  

Diamondbacks' Jose Fernandez strikes Tigers

The No. 27-ranked prospect in the Diamondbacks system, Fernandez received the call after injured first baseman Pavin Smith (elbow) landed on the 10-day injured reserve list.

Batting sixth, Fernandez went 3-for-4, including a first at-bat single and the two homers. He drove in four runs and slugged 2.250.

Fernandez connected on his first homer in the fourth inning off Tigers starter Casey Mize, cutting the Tigers’ lead to 5-1.

On what proved to be the game-winner, Fernandez watched a first-pitch cutter – and didn’t challenge the call. The second-pitch cutter came in low. He made history on Jansen’s third cutter, becoming the second rookie this season to experience a two-homer debut, joining Cleveland Guardians slugger Chase DeLauter.

Swish.