Most kids at the age of 16 are getting their drivers licenses, hanging out with friends, and representing their high school's sports teams. Then you have Ethan Salas, who just suited up for the San Diego Padres on Saturday in a Spring Training match against the Chicago White Sox.
Salas is the number 1 ranked catcher prospect for the Padres and was also the top prospect out of Venezuela prior to agreeing to a $5.6 million deal with the franchise. The signing included an invite to training camp where Salas has been training with the rest of the team and finally got his number called today to enter the match.
In his first plate appearance with the Friars, Salas got a clean hit that grounded out. He also got some time at his catcher position and looked confident in his play. The young prospect suited up with professionals before even playing in the minor leagues.
Fans erupted when Salas checked hit the field as they were super excited to see how their greenest player would fare in his debut. They will most likely be watching more of him in the Arizona Rookie League this year.
Salas would not be able to officially debut in the MLB's regular season until next year when he turns 18 due to the league's rules. Getting some run in Spring Training gives the young catcher great experience for his age.
Sammy Levitt of '97.3 The Fan' joined Salas for a postgame interview and asked him if he feels his youth affected him at all going into today's match.
"Age is just a number, I've been prepared for this," said Sala. "I think my preparation is really good. My routine and everything I've been working for in the gym and all my after-hours have been working pretty well."
Salas will definitely have to keep putting in those after-hours in order to make a roster spot in a few years on one of the most talented teams in the MLB. However, Friars fans should be very excited with their newest gem.
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