Toronto Blue Jays infielder Will Wagner collected three hits in his major-league debut, and starter Bowden Francis pitched seven effective innings as the club beat the Los Angeles Angels 4-2 on Monday night.
Wagner, acquired with Jake Bloss and Joey Loperdifo from the Houston Astros in the Yusei Kikuchi deal last month, was called up by the Blue Jays on Monday and in the lineup to open the series in Los Angeles.
The 26-year-old doubled in his first major league at-bat and followed that up with two singles. He’s the fourth player in Blue Jays history to record three hits in his major league debut.
“I don’t know if it could have gone any better,” Wagner told Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi afterwards.
Toronto had contributions from its young players all night, as infielder Leo Jimenez hit his first major league home run, a two-run shot, off Angels starter Davis Daniel. First baseman Spencer Horwitz added an RBI double, while Vladimir Guerrero Jr. continued his hot stretch with two hits and a walk.
Francis pitched seven innings of one-hit baseball, striking out eight batters. The lone run came on a solo shot from outfielder Mickey Moniak.
With regards to Wagner, he’s going to get a long look in the majors. No matter where he plays, “he’ll get plenty of runway,” said manager John Schneider, so the club can assess just how well the .315/.432/.444 batting line he’s amassed in 77 triple-A games translates.
Wagner, the son of former major league closer and seven-time All-Star Billy Wagner, played seven games with the Bisons, hitting .400/.516/.600 before getting the call on Monday.
The Blue Jays will turn to Kevin Gausman on Tuesday night.
