Watch: Texas Rangers Top Pitching Prospect Makes MLB Debut
ARLINGTON, Texas – Owen White will never forget the first hitter he faced in his MLB debut.
How could he?
The top pitching prospect in the Texas Rangers minor-league system struck out Los Angeles Angels catcher Chad Wallach on an 89-mph slider in the first matchup of White’s career.
The ball was quickly saved by Rangers catcher Jonah Heim, along with the first Big League pitch White ever threw.
After getting a flyout to end the inning, White blew a kiss to his personal cheering section who were on their feet the entire time.
White was called up before the game in somewhat of a surprise move. The 23-year-old right-hander relieved fellow rookie Cody Bradford with one out in the fifth and the Rangers leading 2-1.
White was just named the Texas League Pitcher of the Week for the Double-A Frisco RoughRiders. He’s the No. 2 overall prospect in the Texas system, per MLB.com.
White tossed a season-high seven shutout innings in a start on Wednesday at Corpus Christi, giving up one hit, no runs and two walks. He also struck out six. White entered this week with a 2-3 record and a 3.54 ERA in 11 starts for the RoughRiders.
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