Watch: Orioles top prospect records first RBI but looks shaky in MLB debut
Baltimore Orioles top prospect Jackson Holliday made his MLB debut on Wednesday against the Boston Red Sox. While he unceremoniously struck out in his first official at-bat, he soon made up for it while making history in the process.
In the top of the sixth inning, Holliday grounded out to second, scoring third baseman Jordan Westburg to notch his first MLB RBI.
According to MLB.com's Sarah Langs, Holliday is the fourth-youngest player (20 years, 128 days) in the franchise's history to post an RBI in their debut. Holliday is older than only Hall of Famer Brooks Robinson (18 years, 122 days), two-time All-Star Andy Etchebarren (19 years, 98 days) and 1958 Rookie of the Year Ron Hansen (20 years, 10 days).
Holliday isn't off to the greatest start at the plate, going hitless in his first four appearances, including two punch-outs. Meanwhile, in the field, he misjudged a tough fly ball in the third inning with two outs, leading to a Red Sox run.
As a former No. 1 pick, Holliday is expected to perform well, so it's not surprising that he looked a little uncomfortable in his first game. However, there's every reason to believe he'll bounce back.
The 20-year-old had a fantastic spring, slashing .311/.354/.600 with two home runs, six RBI, three walks and two stolen bases over 48 plate appearances. Regardless, the Orioles felt he needed more seasoning, so he began the year at Triple-A Norfolk, where he batted .333/.482/.595 with two home runs, nine RBI and 12 free passes in 10 games.
Likewise, on the defensive end, he flashed his potential on the field Wednesday night, helping turn a double-play on the first ball hit his way.
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