Bobby Witt Jr. drops 2-word reaction after Royals debutant impresses in Cole Ragans’ absence
The Kansas City Royals were without their All-Star ace Cole Ragans for the second game of the series against the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday. The Royals replaced Ragans with an MLB debutant for the clash.
25-year-old Noah Cameron made his MLB debut on Wednesday, and the childhood Royals fan, who once received a wave from Zack Greinke in his rookie year nearly two decades ago, exceeded expectations from the mound.
Cameron pitched six scoreless innings on his first major league outing, with his no-hitter bid ending in the seventh. Following his stellar debut, Royals All-Star Bobby Witt Jr. dropped a two-word reaction on Instagram.
"Do it," Witt Jr. captioned his story.
Noah Cameron was selected by the American League team in the seventh round of the MLB draft in 2021. Although his no-hitter ended in the seventh inning, the Cameron was proud of his outing.
“You can’t put it into words,” Cameron said. “It’s something I’ve always dreamed about, especially with this team. And it’s just crazy. Not what you’d expect, but I’m glad to get out of there with what happened. You just can’t make it up.”
Royals debutant shares 'special' feeling of representing boyhood team
Noah Cameron threw 79 pitches for three strikes in 6.1 innings pitched. He was just eight outs away from becoming the first MLB debutant to register a no-hitter since Bumpus Jones in 1892.
Manager Matt Quatraro, who watched on from the dugout as Cameron held his own from the mound, thought the young starter was going all the way.
“I thought he was going to do it,” manager Matt Quatraro said. “The pitch count was really manageable. ... We know he throws strikes, and he was challenging guys. He had a good mix. Just really impressive.”
Cameron received a standing ovation from the crowd, and although it wasn't at the Kauffman Stadium, a place he grew up around, it was still a special feeling for the debutant.
“It just hits home,” Cameron said. “Even coming out of the game, hearing a ‘Let’s go Royals,’ chant here. They’re going crazy. I know they’re going crazy at home, too. It’s awesome to be able to represent us. It’s special.”
Noah Cameron is likely to receive a similar ovation when he makes his first start at The K for his hometown ballclub.