Kansas City's Raul Mondesi just made history by becoming the first player to make his MLB debut in the World Series. The 20-year-old made his first appearance in Game 3, striking out as a pinch hitter in the fifth inning.
20-year-old Raul Mondesi just made his MLB debut ... IN THE WORLD SERIES
Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Mondesi was pinch hitting for pitcher Danny Duffy, who recorded the final two outs of the fourth inning.
Mondesi -- the son of the former MLB player with the same name -- was called up by the Royals prior to the start of the World Series. Despite never playing above Double-A, the Royals added him to the World Series roster. As Royals Review noted, Mondesi was added to the roster to supply middle infield depth with Ben Zobrist and his wife expecting the birth of their child.
Minor League Ball ranked Mondesi as the Royals No. 3 prospect heading into the season. The jump to the majors was still a significant one considering Mondesi spent all season playing in Double-A. He played 81 minor league games and hit .243 with a .651 OPS. He’s on the roster more for his defensive ability, but debuting in the bright lights of the World Series is far from the softest landing.
No pressure, Raul.
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