Pirates' top prospects Quinn Priester and Endy Rodriguez both make MLB debut in loss to Guardians

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Endy Rodríguez knew something was up.

The 23-year-old catcher, the third-ranked prospect in the Pittsburgh Pirates’ farm system, was held out of Sunday's game at Triple-A Indianapolis. Only after an 11-4 win over Omaha, did manager Miguel Pérez reveal he was heading to the major leagues.

"Sunday, I got off and said, ‘Nah, they got something for me,’" Rodríguez recalled Monday.

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Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Quinn Priester (64) walks from the bullpen after warming up with catcher Endy Rodriguez for their major league debuts in a baseball game against the Cleveland Guardians in Pittsburgh, Monday, July 17, 2023.  (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Rodríguez was recalled from Indianapolis and inserted into the Pirates' lineup hitting seventh and at catcher for his big league debut in a series opener against Cleveland. Quinn Priester, a 22-year-old right-hander, started in his major league debut as the Pirates lost 11-0.

Priester, born Sept. 15, 2000, and Rodríguez, born May 26, 2000, became Major League Baseball's first starting battery born 2000 or later, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. It marked the first debuting starting battery for Pirates since Cookie Cuccurullo pitched to Hank Camelli on Oct. 3, 1943.

Rodríguez was 0 for 4 with three strikeouts.

"The future is here, man. I know we’re going to do something special with this team," Rodríguez said. "At some point, we’re going to do the best job. I know we have a lot of younger players here and I think we have the talent. We’re going to do something special. "

Priester allowed seven runs, seven hits and two walks in 5 1/3 innings. He retired his first nine batters before walking Steven Kwan and giving up Amed Rosario's two-run homer.

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Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Quinn Priester, center, and catcher Endy Rodriguez, rear left, take the field for their major league debuts in a baseball game against the Cleveland Guardians in Pittsburgh, Monday, July 17, 2023.  (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

"It’s a debut. It only happens once, for both of us," Priester said. "Maybe not the way you wanted it to go, but nonetheless a really exciting day in both of our lives. We have to take as much good as we can from today and learn from the bad."

Rodríguez hit .268 with six home runs and 38 RBIs in 67 games with Indianapolis this season and played in the All-Star Futures Game. He was acquired from the New York Mets on Jan. 19, 2021, in a three-team trade that also involved San Diego.

In his first plate appearance, Rodríguez flew out to left on a 1-1 pitch, sending a ball down the line that nearly drifted foul into the stands.

"This is the city I wanted. It’s a dream," Rodríguez said. "Everybody wants to be here. Everybody wants to debut. Now, I’m here."

A youth movement, spearheaded by fellow catching prospect Henry Davis’ promotion from Indianapolis on June 19, has emerged in Pittsburgh. The Pirates entered the series 41-52, a season-high 11 games under .500 following a 20-8 start.

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Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Quinn Priester delivers during the second inning of his major league debut in a baseball game against the Cleveland Guardians in Pittsburgh, Monday, July 17, 2023.  (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

"I think that the organization trusts us," Rodríguez said. "They think we can help the team to win games. We’re here for that. We have our careers to prepare for being here now and winning again. The organization trusts us."

Davis, 23 and the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 amateur draft, has primarily played right field since his promotion. He was hitting .280 with two home runs and nine RBIs in 23 games.

"I’m going to catch here. It’s my position," Rodríguez said. "But if they think I’m going to play other places, I don’t care. I just want to play. I’m just having fun and want to help the team."

Infielder Nick Gonzales, 24, was recalled from Indianapolis just five days after Davis. Jared Triolo, a 25-year-old infielder, made his debut on June 28.

"Honestly, we thought we were going to see all these guys at some point," manager Derek Shelton said. "To say that we thought we were going to see them all together, I don’t think we would’ve thought that."

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Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Endy Rodriguez pulls on his mask between hitters during the first inning of his major league debut in a baseball game against the Cleveland Guardians in Pittsburgh, Monday, July 17, 2023.  (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Priester, drafted 18th overall by the Pirates in 2019, used nine pitches (seven strikes) to get through a perfect first inning following a 47-minute rain delay.

"I typically get anxious for starts while getting prepared wherever I’ve been at," Priester said on Sunday. "This will be much the same, getting my body prepared, getting my mind prepared in my own way. Definitely anxious but taking the next couple of days to take it all in.

"I don’t mind if it takes a long time because these are two days I’m never getting back. I Definitely want to cherish the moment and appreciate all the people who helped me get here."

Liover Peguero, a 22-year-old infielder, was promoted with Rodríguez. Peguero played one game last year, going 1 for 3 with a walk and two strikeouts in a 7-5 loss to San Francisco on June 18.

"I feel like besides all of us being different ages and all of that, I feel like we have the same mindset and I feel like that’s going to be a big thing for us," Peguero said.

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Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Quinn Priester, right, interacts in the dugout with Tucupita Marcano, before taking the field for his major league debut in a baseball game against the Cleveland Guardians in Pittsburgh, Monday, July 17, 2023.  (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Catcher Jason Delay, right-handed pitcher Cody Bolton and outfielder Josh Palacios were optioned to Indianapolis and outfielder Travis Swaggerty was designated for assignment.

Peguero said Rodríguez nearly cried when discussing their promotion. Rodríguez wasn’t shy to admit he did cry, three times.

"I’m not a big crier. I can’t talk with anybody in that moment," Rodríguez said. "I can’t express my emotions. I was thinking a lot in my mind. The cry comes, and I said, ‘I hate you. Stop that. You are not like that.’"