Troy Melton, the no. 10 prospect in the Detroit Tigers organization according to MLB Pipeline, made his season debut Wednesday afternoon as the Tigers concluded a series against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
However, instead of the historical debut he was probably hoping for, the Pirates responded with a lively offensive jump, welcoming Melton to the pros in their own way.
Melton’s second major league batter, Pirates legend Andrew McCutchen, smashed a solo home run to center.
The second inning saw the young prospect give up his first career grand slam to Spencer Horwitz, and then a sacrifice fly by Oneil Cruz in the third inning saw the Pirates quickly jump out to a six-run lead after the third inning.
Melton was eventually pulled after five innings, notching seven strikeouts, but taking the loss in his debut as Pittsburgh took the 6-1 win.
Melton opened up to the Detroit media after his rocky first start, still enjoying the experience of finally being in the major leagues.
“You’re nervous. It’s the first one. I haven’t really taken any time to soak it in. When you’re out there, it’s a baseball game like you played since you were a little kid. Wish it went better, obviously. But it’s the first one. I had a good time,” Melton said via Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press on X.
The loss against the Pirates on Wednesday now brings Detroit to a 60-43 record, having lost nine of their last 10 games, but still holding a comfortable lead in the AL Central over the Guardians.
The road won’t get any easier over the weekend as they take on the AL East-leading Toronto Blue Jays, but hopefully the team and Melton will have regained their composure by the time Melton steps on the mound again against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Monday.
