On just his second big league pitch, Guardians OF Richie Palacios slapped a single into left field.
Later on, in the fifth inning, Palacios did himself one better, reaching base on a double.
And if that wasn’t storybook enough, it came while his parents were being interviewed in the stands:
Richie Palacios doubles in his second career AB while his parents are getting interviewed 🥺
— Farm To Fame (@FarmToFame_) April 26, 2022
He finished the evening going a sharp 2-for-2.
Palacios was given the call up from Columbus roughly 24-hours before Monday night’s game.
He was inserted into the roster after OF standout Steven Kwan started experiencing tightness in his left hamstring after the Guardians’ Sunday loss in New York against the Yankees.
Here are three things you need to know about the Guardians’ latest call up to the majors:
1. The 2021 Season Was His First In Two Years
The 2018 third-rounder has played just two full seasons in the minors so far.
That’s because his second season was scrapped when he injured his shoulder in March 2019.
Shortly after, he underwent labrum surgery and rehabbed for a 2020 return.
Unfortunately, it was another lost season.
Palacios’ expected return to baseball was again delayed after the 2020 minor league season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Then came the possibility yet another MLB season would be cut short or canceled while the MLB and Players’ Association worked to agree on a new CBA.
Fortunately for Palacios, an agreement was worked out and he avoided missing part or all of an additional season.
To his credit, Palacios’ time and patience in the minors looks to be paying off in spades.
2. Quick Riser
Despite technically spending four years in the minors, Palacio was a steady riser.
In 2018, his first season in the minors, Palacio advanced three levels, finishing the season in low-A with a sizzling .361 average.
Last year, his first season back, Palacios picked up right where he left off.
Splitting time between Triple-A Columbus and Double-A Akron, he hit .297 and an .875 OPS.
And, evident in his MLB debut Monday night, Palacios developed a knack for getting on base.
In 2021, he reached base a strong 40% of the time.
At the start of this season, Palacios’ rise was complete; he was named to the Guardians’ 40-man roster.
Palacios is also a speed demon, which pairs well with his ability to get on base and translates well into the big leagues.
3. Converted outfielder
When Palacios was drafted out of Towson in 2018, he entered the league as an infielder, predominantly at second base.
But after concerns over his arm and ability to play defense in the infield, his promotion to Triple-A last year came with a caveat: he would be moved to the outfield.
Thankfully, the switch hasn’t affected Palcios’ offensive game, and even made him an ideal call up in the wake of Kwan’s unavailability.
According to Palacios’ dad:
“Richie’s proof that he can play anywhere and he’s still going to hit.”
Palacios doesn’t seem to lack any confidence in his game.
The pitch before his first big league hit was a whiffer; but Palacios stayed composed and made the pitcher pay right after.
Richie Palacios is already the 7th Guardians player to make his major league debut this year, and he comes out swinging in his first AB in the bigs.
1st pitch: Swing and miss
2nd pitch: Single to the opposite field for his first major league hit— Ryan Lewis (@ByRyanLewis) April 26, 2022
Add in the fact that he’s bided his time, improved his craft, and responded well to coaching adjustments makes his big league debut even sweeter.
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