Alex Faedo has made his much-awaited professional debut.
The Tigers’ right-handed pitching prospect, selected with the No. 18 pick in last year’s MLB Draft, began his season on Friday evening with Class A Lakeland.
Faedo was solid against the Tampa Yankees, allowing two runs on two hits in five innings. He struck out four batters and walked none. Faedo struggled in the first inning — allowing two home runs — but buckled down from there: He did not allow a base runner after the first inning, retiring the last 13 men.
For Faedo, it represented the next step in what the Tigers hope is a fulfilling professional career.