MIAMI - The 12th pitch Jerad Eickhoff delivered in his major league debut - a 92-mph fastball he spotted on the outside of the plate - was ripped back his way by Marlins cleanup hitter Justin Bour.
The one-hopper deflected off Eickhoff's pitching hand and toward third baseman Andres Blanco. Pitching coach Bob McClure and the Phillies training staff made their way to the mound, where the rookie righthander's hand was examined before he attempted to throw a couple of warmup pitches.
This was not how Eickhoff, 25, acquired three weeks ago in the eight-player Cole Hamels trade, envisioned his big-league debut.