It took longer than many expected, but lefty John Lamb finally made his big league debut. It happened on Friday night, though he was wearing a different uniform than most expected.
Royals lefty John Lamb during spring training 2014 (Jen Nevius).
Since Lamb was traded at the trading deadline from the team he was drafted by (the KC Royals) to the Cincinnati Reds, he made his Major League debut for the Reds.
During the pregame, Lamb heard legendary Dodgers broadcaster Vin Scully talking about him, the Southern California kid set to make his debut.
He took the mound at Dodgers Stadium, with the Reds giving him a 1-0 lead. However, the Dodgers came right back to tie the game at 1-1 on a Justin Turner sac fly. Jimmy Rollins was the first batter Lamb faced and he doubled.
Lamb’s first strikeout came in that first inning, to Adrian Gonzalez. A caught stealing on that same play ended the first. Gonzalez would get his revenge in the fifth, when he hit a three-run home run off Lamb.
Prior to that AGone homer in the fifth, Lamb walked Joc Pederson, but a diving catch by catcher Brayan Pena on a bunt attempt seemed to get Lamb out of the jam (Pena doubled off Pederson at first base).
However, the Dodgers got three straight singles (one to score a run) to bring up AGone. He hit a 1-0 fastball down and in.
Instead of pulling Lamb, the Reds sent him back out for the 6th inning and he did not disappoint. He retired the side in order, including a strikeout of Pederson to end his debut.
At the plate, Lamb struck out in his two plate appearances.
*To read more on Lamb’s debut, click HERE.
