“Red Sox rookie Tyler Samaniego had one thing on his mind during his stellar MLB debut.”

“Samaniego, who struck out the side in the eighth inning of Boston’s 5-0 win over the Brewers on Wednesday at Fenway Park, said he was thinking about his late father during his first big-league outing.”

“I lost him [at 65 years old] at the end of the ‘22 season, and he’s the one that introduced me to this game.”

“While on the mound, Samaniego was seen sporting a glove with ‘Rip, Pops’ stitched on its side.”

“The southpaw joined some rare Red Sox history in his debut, becoming the first pitcher since Don Aase in 1977 to record strikeouts for his first three career outs, ESPN reported.”

“Samaniego, 27, was called up from Triple-A Worcester just four hours before the Red Sox’s first pitch, and his family was unable to fly into Boston in time for his debut.”

“Before being called up on Wednesday, Samaniego held a 3.38 ERA for Worcester through 5⅓ innings of work.”

“Samaniego, who was originally drafted by the Pirates in the 15th round of the 2021 MLB Draft, was dealt to the Red Sox this past offseason in a trade involving right-hander Johan Oviedo being shipped off to Boston in exchange for top outfield prospect Jhostynxon Garcia and pitcher Jesus Travieso.”