BALTIMORE — Jhonkensy Noel turned the fourth Cleveland participant in franchise historical past to homer in his first main league at-bat, going deep Wednesday evening towards the Baltimore Orioles simply hours after being recalled from Triple-A Columbus.
Noel launched a 1-1 pitch from Grayson Rodriguez within the second inning to place the Guardians up 1-0. On his first swing, the 22-year-old misplaced maintain of his bat, sending it hovering towards third base.
One pitch later, Noel despatched a fastball over the center-field wall. The drive traveled an estimated 413 ft.
The earlier Cleveland participant to hit a house run in his first at-bat within the majors was Kevin Kouzmanoff on Sept. 2, 2006.
Noel, who batted sixth and manned first base in his debut with the Guardians, went 1 for 4 and struck out to finish the sport. The Orioles gained 4-2.
Noel hit .295 with 15 doubles, 18 homers, 59 RBI and a .578 slugging proportion in 65 video games with Columbus this season. He leads the Worldwide League in RBI, extra-base hits (35) and whole bases (149).
“He is received some energy, clearly,” Cleveland supervisor Stephen Vogt mentioned earlier than the sport. “That is a man who likes to play. That smile, you’d assume Christmas is right here. We’re pumped to have him. He is a very good baseball participant and he is been raking. He earned his approach right here.”
Noel performed first base, left subject, proper subject and designated hitter for Columbus this season. Vogt received a really feel for a way Noel performed the sphere throughout spring coaching.
“He can play protection. He seemed good at first, he seemed good within the outfield after we had him,” the supervisor mentioned.
Signed by Cleveland as an beginner free agent in July 2017, the Dominican Republic native has 112 residence runs in 517 minor league video games.
To make room for the rookie on the roster, the Guardians optioned outfielder Johnathan Rodriguez to Columbus.