New Red Sox catcher reaches base three times in team debut
New Red Sox catcher made his team debut in the series finale against the Yankees from Fenway Park on Sunday night.
Jansen, who was acquired from the Blue Jays on Saturday, went 2-for-3 with a walk as the team’s designated hitter.
The former Blue Jays catcher played his entire career with Toronto after he was drafted in 2013.
“I was caught off guard and surprised, but after it all settled, I was really excited to be a part of this organization, and I’m very grateful to be here,” Jansen said to reporters pregame.
He singled to right field to lead off the third inning in his first at-bat with Boston. He walked in the fourth and singled to left field with one out in the seventh inning.
Jansen reached base three times in his debut, becoming the first Red Sox player in their debut to reach in each of their first three plate appearances with the team since Eduardo Núñez on 7/28/17 vs. the Royals (2-for-3, BB).
Boston acquired Jansen for three prospects for the playoff run. The right-handed hitter provides an upgrade over light-hitting catcher Reese McGuire, and it gives the club another much-needed righty at the plate.
“The last couple years, I’ve tried to tap into more getting the ball in the air to the pull side,” Jansen said. “Looking forward to playing here and trying to keep going with my strengths and adjust a little bit if I need to.”
Jansen is excited to play for a team that could potentially make the postseason, something the backstop has only taken part in twice in his career.
“It’s what we play for, and it’s really exciting,” Jansen said. “Grateful to be here. The atmosphere is incredible; I have been playing against it for so many years now. Playing against these guys, seeing the group and how much talent, it’s really fun to be part of.”
