Welcome to the big leagues, Spencer Torkelson.
After struggling through the first four games of his career — 0-for-10 with seven strikeouts — the Detroit Tigers’ top prospect jumped on a Rich Hill fastball in the third inning of Tuesday’s game against the Red Sox at Comerica Park, hitting a double to right-center field for the first hit of his career.
The home crowd rose to its feet after the play, giving the young first baseman a standing ovation.
After a single by Dustin Garneau, Torkelson scored on an RBI groundout by Robbie Grossman for the first run of his career.
The Tigers’ first seven batters had all been retired on the day, before Torkelson’s extra-base hit started a rally. Jonathan Schoop blooped in a single down the right-field line before Javy Baez ripped a double to the left-field wall, putting the Tigers up 3-0 in the third.
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Torkelson dominated the minor leagues in his first season as a professional in 2021 — the Arizona State product hit .267 but had a .383 OBP and .935 OPS including 30 home runs and 91 RBIs.
Torkelson made his major league debut on Opening Day and said he almost forget how to run when his name was announced over the loud speakers.
“I wasn’t expecting the roar like that,” Torkelson said Saturday morning.