DETROIT -- Eduardo Valencia spent eight years in the Tigers' farm system dreaming of reaching the big leagues. He finally got the call on Thursday and made his first Major League at-bat a memorable one, homering to center field at spacious Comerica Park in the Tigers' 4-1 win over the Athletics.
The Tigers called up Valencia from Triple-A Toledo on Thursday to have an extra catcher available while Dillon Dingler recovers from a right hand contusion. A longtime catcher in the organization, Valencia slugged his way to prospect status last year with a 24-homer, .941 OPS season between Triple-A Toledo and Double-A Erie, earning a 40-man roster spot and a place in Spring Training.
The right-handed bat also earned him a pinch-hitting role on manager A.J. Hinch’s bench, having replaced Jahmai Jones on the 26-man roster. Once the A’s went to lefty Hogan Harris to begin the seventh, Valencia stepped to the plate to hit for Kerry Carpenter.
Valencia got a 2-1 fastball over the plate and didn’t miss it, launching a Statcast-projected 425-foot drive to one of the deepest parts of Comerica Park. Center fielder Henry Bolte had a read on it but ran out of room, watching it carry over the fence as Valencia rounded the bases in elation. Even Justin Verlander was applauding him as he came into the dugout.
Valencia is the first Tiger to homer in his first big-league at-bat since Akil Baddoo on April 4, 2021, and the 10th player to do it in franchise history. Other Tigers to do it include Sergio Alcantara (Sept. 6, 2020), Daniel Norris (Aug. 19, 2015), Reggie Sanders (Sept. 1, 1974), Gene Lamont (Sept. 2, 1970), Bill Roman (Sept. 30, 1964), Gates Brown (June 19, 1963), George Vico (April 20, 1948) and Hack Miller (April 23, 1944).