The Dodgers called up catcher Eliezer Alfonzo Jr. from Triple-A, and he made his MLB debut in the series finale against the Padres on Sunday at Dodger Stadium. It was an emotional debut for Alfonzo Jr., who learned of the tragic passing of his stepmother, Patricia, and sister, Eliana, in the Venezuela earthquake ahead of the game.
As a heartfelt gesture to their memory, the backstop wore his ballclub’s hat with both their initials to pay his respects to their departed souls. The Venezuelan went 0-for-2 in his big-league debut and was replaced by Dalton Rushing late in the game. The Dodgers lost the series finale 5-2, missing the chance to seal a thrilling series sweep over their NL rivals.
Senior MLB insider Jon Heyman also shared the news ahead of the match. “Just tragic. Eliezer’s sister Eliana, 16, and stepmother Patricia were found killed by the Venezuela earthquake on the eve of Eliezer’s debut, via reports out of that country,” Heyman wrote on X.
Manager Dave Roberts Sent His Support to Eliezer Alfonzo Jr. Ahead of MLB Debut
The Dodgers manager shared his thoughts on the tragic loss Alfonzo Jr. and his family suffered ahead of the backstop’s highly anticipated MLB debut, expressing strong support for the grieving family.
“I don’t really know what to say about it other than my heart goes out to him and his family,” Roberts said.
Alfonzo Jr. has spent most of the season with the Dodgers’ Triple-A team, the Oklahoma City Comets. In over 190 at-bats, he’s batting .313 with one home run, 15 doubles, 17 RBI, and an OPS of .813.
He has a .283 batting average with 32 home runs, 99 doubles, and a .725 OPS in 2078 minor-league at-bats so far in his professional career. While these are solid numbers for a catcher, he’s been blocked by other backstops who have excelled in the Dodgers uniform over the years, limiting his MLB chances.
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