Dodgers News: Michael Busch is Fighting to Keep His First MLB Hit Baseball

Someone else has eyes for the memorabilia.

Earlier this week when Michael Busch got the first base hit of his MLB career, the Dodgers rookie was surrounded by important pieces of his baseball life. The single up the middle drove in his good friend and long time minor league teammate James Outman. Miguel Vargas advanced to second base on the hit but came over to give Busch a big hug during a pitching change. And up in the stands was a group of about 30 friends and family who celebrated along with the infielder from afar.

“They seem to always be on base since I’ve been playing with them,” Busch said. “So, wasn’t too much of a surprise to me, but, they’re really good ballplayers and it was fun. I think Outman was on second. Good to drive him in. Been a close friend for three, four years now.”

It was a special moment for Busch. After the game, he spoke with reporters, sharing what the first big league knock of his career meant to him. He also revealed that he might have a hard time keeping that baseball as a memento.

“My dad asked if he could take it home, so we’ll have to fight over that one,” Busch said with a big smile on his face.

Michael Busch breaks down what this moment meant to him and how he plans to build from here. pic.twitter.com/912V5nDlq0

— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) April 26, 2023

The important thing is that the baseball is in his -- or his dad's -- possession. It wasn't a home run taken by a fan or something like that.

While that moment will always belong to him, his future on the active roster is out of his hands. Manager Dave Roberts talked during the Pittsburgh series about the rookie earning this playing time and opportunity, but the fact that it came because of a short paternity leave stint means that he could be ticketed back to Triple-A as soon as tonight.

One thing keeping his immediate MLB hopes alive is the status of J.D. Martinez's ailing back. If Martinez heads to the IL, the Busch will stay alive for a little bit longer with the Dodgers.