Lucas Giolito, the top prospect in Major League Baseball, had his pitching debut in the big leagues shortened by rain. The Washington Nationals right-hander was leading 1-0 during the fourth inning when rain delayed the game. He did not return to pitch when the game resumed and Washington went on to win 5-0 over the New York Mets.
Giolito, during the rain delay before the game, visited Dusty Baker’s office on multiple occasions. The rookie asked his manager a number of times when the game would start so he could get on the mound.
He finally took the mound following a delay of 55 minutes. His first pitch to Curtis Granderson to begin his career was a 95-mph fastball. He later said that any nerves he had during the pregame went away with his first pitch and things began to feel like any other game.
The second batter he faced he struck out for the first strikeout of his career and his only one on the night.
Giolito was able to keep the Mets offense off balance and scoreless during his four innings of work. He issued just two walks and scattered weak contact from Mets batter.
Of his 45 pitches during four innings of work, 29 were for strikes.
Giolito was on deck when the rains came again and forced a delay that would last almost an hour and a half.
When play resumed, Giolito did not. Clint Robinson replaced Giolito as a pinch hitter and Yusmeiro Petit came on to pitch during the fifth for Washington.
Giolito’s parents, brother, as well as a best friend and girlfriend were on hand watching Tuesday night. The crowd roared and gave the youngster a standing ovation when he was pictured on the big screen walking from the Nationals bullpen to their dugout.
Giolito was starting in place of the Nationals last first pick to debut on the mound Stephen Strasburg. The Nationals ace is now on the disabled list due to a strained upper back.
Giolito took Strasburg’s spot on the roster and rotation when the star is sidelined, but will be evaluated start by start to see if he will remain in the big leagues or will return to the minors.
