Red Sox’s Enmanuel Valdez Gets First MLB Hit In Debut Vs. Twins

The Boston Red Sox promoted infield prospect Enmanuel Valdez prior to Wednesday night’s game against the Minnesota Twins at Fenway Park.

And the 24-year-old, making his Major League Baseball debut, wasted no time in tallying his first base hit.

In the bottom of the third inning, Valdez stepped into the batter’s box for his first big league at-bat, and found a hole in the middle infield, recording his first career base knock — a single off Twins pitcher Joe Ryan.

Watch Valdez record hit No. 1 here, courtesy of MLB Pipeline:

Valdez’s promotion from Triple-A comes following a hamstring injury to Christian Arroyo and Yu Chang heading to the paternity list. Playing in 11 games with the Worcester WooSox to begin the 2023 season, Valdez batted .179 with one home run, three doubles and six RBIs.

Manager Alex Cora placed the right-handed hitter ninth in the lineup, getting the start at second base.

Acquired last season in part of the Christian Vázquez trade with the Houston Astros, Valdez was ranked Boston’s No. 17 prospect by MLB.com.