Tsung-Che Cheng realized a lifelong dream on Wednesday.
Cheng, 23, made his big-league debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates against the St. Louis Cardinals just two days after he was called up from Triple-A Indianapolis. Pittsburgh’s newest depth infielder hit ninth in the order, and although he finished 0-for-2 before being pinch-hit for in the eighth inning, he couldn’t have been happier with the experience.
“It’s so unreal and it’s a very cool experience,” Cheng said through interpreter Haagen Tan, as seen on Sportsnet Pittsburgh. “I’ve played baseball for so long, and I hope I can play for much longer.”
The Pirates wanted some help defensively and believe they got a dynamic piece in Cheng.
“Just defensively, how dynamic he is. I think we saw the full scope of it in spring training; regardless if he played second or short, he can really defend,” Pittsburgh manager Derek Shelton said, per Pittsburgh Baseball Now. “He’s played some third, a little bit in the minor leagues. With losing (Jared) Triolo, we needed someone who could play short as the backup. We felt he fit us the best.”
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Cheng hopes to make the backup plan something more permanent.
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Featured image via Charles LeClaire/Imagn Images