TORONTO – In August 2019, Jeremiah Estrada underwent Tommy John surgery. In August 2021, Estrada was hospitalized with COVID-19.
“This year, I was just like, ‘I’m scared of August,’” he said.
Estrada had almost made it through the month when he got the news: He was headed to the big-leagues.
Estrada made his major-league debut on Tuesday in Toronto, throwing a hitless inning and striking out two. His fastball averaged 98.1 mph.
“He’s got some unique stuff, especially the fastball,” pitching coach Tommy Hottovy said. “It’s such a unique profile, and it just carries. It’s a really good pitch.