DETROIT -- The winding path of Luis Cessa's career took him from organizations based in New York to Detroit and back again, so it seemed somehow appropriate that the right-hander's first opponent would be one of those former clubs.
Cessa made his Major League debut in relief on Friday, throwing two innings in the Yankees' 4-0 loss to the Tigers. Cessa was traded by Detroit with right-hander Chad Green for left-hander Justin Wilson during the Winter Meetings.
"It's an amazing feeling. It's my debut," Cessa said. "I think they have a really good lineup this year, Detroit, so I need to focus all the time. The first through the ninth, it's a really good lineup. I feel amazing."
Cessa, 23, struck out the first batter he faced, Justin Upton, then surrendered an opposite-field home run to Miguel Cabrera.

"I think he's the best hitter in the Majors right now, so I think a couple of people can say, 'My first home run in the Majors was Miggy hitting,'" Cessa said. "I feel great. I threw two really good innings. I made a mistake, one pitch. I paid for that one."

Pitchers to allow 1st MLB HR to Cabrera

According to STATS, Cessa is the 11th pitcher -- and the first Yankee -- to allow his first Major League homer to Cabrera. The Yankees saved the ball from the first of Cessa's two strikeouts; he also fanned Victor Martinez in the seventh, permitting two hits without a walk.
A converted infielder who came up in the Mets' organization, Cessa was traded to the Tigers last July as part of the Yoenis Cespedes deal, making seven starts for Detroit's Triple-A club before becoming property of the Yankees in December.
"I think it's funny, my debut, with my last team," Cessa said.