The only real snag in Braves right-hander Tyrell Jenkins’ big-league debut came after he pitched one scoreless inning against the Marlins.
Teammate Jace Peterson tossed the ball into the stands instead of saving the souvenir for Jenkins. The Braves retrieved the ball, though, so Jenkins left Marlins Park with his keepsake.
After not pitching in the first five games since he was promoted to the Braves, Jenkins finally got the call in the eighth inning Wednesday at Marlins Park.
“I can’t really explain it,” Jenkins said. “My heart leaped into my chest. It’s been a while since I’ve thrown, so I was just making sure I didn’t hurt anybody. Just getting that first one out of the way and getting through the clean inning was huge.”
Jenkins is one of the Braves’ top-rated pitching prospects. He’s pitching out of the bullpen after the organization moved him to a reliever role for the first time in his career earlier this month.
The Braves trailed 3-0 when Jenkins entered the game with the Marlins’ Nos. 2-4 hitters due up. The first batter, Adeiny Hechavarria, hit a tricky ground ball in front of the plate. Jenkins charged, scooped the ball and made a strong throw to first base for the out.
“That was big,” Jenkins said. “That kind of got me going right there to come off the mound and make that play. I was really excited. I was trying to contain my emotions. I did that well and came out with the clean inning.”
Jenkins got Christian Yelich to ground out before Marcell Ozuna singled. Miguel Rojas grounded out to Jenkins to end the inning.
When Jenkins was called up from Triple-A Gwinnett, Braves interim manager Brian Snitker said he’d fill the long relief role. Jenkins started to warm up when starter John Gant labored in the second inning, but sat back down when Gant got out of that inning and made it through 5 2/3.
“There’s kind of never a perfect time,” Snitker said. “Right there we felt like this is as good a time as any. Let’s get him out there. I thought he did really good.”
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