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Dodgers catcher Eliezer Alfonzo makes major-league debut in 5-2 loss to Padres
Eliezer Alfonzo started behind the plate for the Los Angeles Dodgers against the San Diego Padres on Sunday. He had learned the day before that his 16-year-old sister and stepmother were among the 3,342 confirmed dead in two magnitude-7-plus earthquakes that struck northern Venezuela beginning June 24.
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Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Eliezer Alfonzo made his major league debut Sunday, starting the series finale against the San Diego Padres one day after learning two family members died in the Venezuela earthquakes. Alfonzo, 26, received the call-up Saturday while his sister Eliana and stepmother Patricia remained missing.
Hours later he was told they were among the 3,342 confirmed dead from the two magnitude-7-plus quakes that struck northern Venezuela beginning June 24.
And his brother. Both urged him to enjoy the day and honor his sister and stepmother by playing. Dodgers infielder Miguel Rojas relayed a similar message. Rojas’ wife and children were two blocks from collapsed buildings during the quakes.
Alfonzo wrote “EyP RIP” on the bill of his cap. Rojas wrote “Alfonzo” and “Fuerza Matatan” on his own cap to honor the elder Alfonzo’s nickname. Alfonzo grounded out and flied out before being removed for a pinch hitter in the seventh inning of the Dodgers’ 5-2 loss.
A crowd of 46,506 gave him a loud ovation when he came to bat. “I felt very emotional and very happy when I heard my name announced, when I took my first turn to bat, to feel the support from the fans,” Alfonzo said in Spanish after the game. Rojas, who has known the elder Alfonzo since 2008 winter ball, called him an icon in Venezuela.
422 in 49 games at Triple-A. With the All-Star Game approaching and primary catcher Will Smith still out with a neck injury, the Dodgers promoted Alfonzo to back up Dalton Rushing.
