Eduardo Rodriguez Joins List Of Best MLB Debuts In Red Sox History (Photos)

Eduardo Rodriguez’s major league debut with the Boston Red Sox was historic.

Rodriguez, who worked into the eighth inning Thursday against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park, became the first pitcher in Red Sox history to go at least 7 2/3 frames, allow no runs, surrender three hits or fewer and strike out at least seven batters in his big league debut. He’s just 22 years old.

The future obviously looks bright for Rodriguez, who is one of the top pitching prospects in the Red Sox organization. The left-hander made such a good first impression that he’ll stay in Boston’s rotation for now, with his next start scheduled for Wednesday against the Minnesota Twins at Fenway Park.

But Rodriguez isn’t the first player in Red Sox history to shine in his major league debut, as others before the southpaw — both pitchers and position players — left a mark on Day 1 with Boston. And not every great debut guaranteed future success, though sometimes it was a sign of good things to come.

Let’s look back at some of the top major league debuts in Red Sox history, with some performances going a long way back.