Deivi Garcia earned comparisons to Pedro Martinez long before reaching the majors. A brilliant debut in pinstripes only drew more parallels between the 21-year-old and Hall of Famer.
Martinez, 48, doesn’t seem to have a problem with it.
After watching the fellow Dominican Republic native give up just one unearned run over six innings in Sunday’s 5-2 win over the Mets, the three-time Cy Young winner tweeted praise for Garcia, who hadn’t pitched in a game since a June 20 exhibition.
“Congrats to 21-year-old Dominican pitcher Deivi Garcia on an excellent debut for the Yankees,” Martinez wrote. “He did a great job at mixing his pitches. His body looked stable and fully extended. I was impressed with the way he commanded his pitches.”
Garcia was promoted to majors for Sunday’s doubleheader against the Mets, and was in line for win, before Luke Voit’s two-base fielding error helped the Mets tie the game. Garcia, who is two inches shorter than the diminutive 5-foot-11 Martinez, threw 74 pitches (51 strikes), while striking out six and walking none.
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“Deivi Garcia’s presence on the mound was outstanding, and his balance on the mound too!” Martinez wrote.