ARLINGTON — The Rangers acquired right-handed pitcher Ben Peoples Tuesday, promoted him to the big leagues by Thursday and thrust him into a competitive game in front of a sold-out holiday crowd for his major league debut by Saturday.
“This is obviously more than what you would ever imagine,” People said Saturday afternoon. “You wouldn’t think [you’d debut] the Fourth of July, 250th anniversary of the United States, at home, in Texas for your debut, so I was a little nervous.”
Peoples pitched two scoreless innings in a 3-0 loss vs. the Detroit Tigers Saturday at Globe Life Field in front of 37,576 fans. He allowed two hits — an infield single and a blooper into right field — and recorded his first strikeout against Tigers center fielder James Outman in the seventh inning. First base umpire John Tumpane called Peoples’ name after the play and urged him to throw the strikeout ball back into the home side dugout.
The 25-year-old spent five seasons in the minor leagues before the Rangers acquired him from the Chicago White Sox in a minor league trade earlier this week. His parents, brother, girlfriend and agent were on hand to watch his debut.
“It’s been a long time, I’m happy that I finally made it and had the opportunity,” People said. “And, it went well, so I’m glad for that.”
Peoples threw 21 of his 30 pitches for strikes, leaned on his four-seam fastball/slider combination and ran his heater up to 96.8 mph.
“He was in a big spot,” Rangers manager Skip Schumaker said. “The crowd was incredible, sold-out crowd, to make your major league debut on the Fourth of July in front of that crowd, and then to throw like 70% strikes, it was impressive to see. He went through a really good part of their lineup. It was an impressive debut.”