Max Muncy going on the paternity list created an opportunity for Michael Busch to join the Los Angeles Dodgers from Triple-A Oklahoma City, and he immediately made the most of it in their comeback win.
Busch was recalled while in the midst of a 21-game on-base streak with OKC, and he was penciled into the Dodgers lineup as the designated hitter for the series opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The heralded Dodgers prospect was supported at PNC Park by a large group of family members and friends.
Busch became the first Dodgers rookie to make his MLB debut during the 2023 season, and although it was a bit of a whirlwind to arrive in Pittsburgh, he basked in the experience while keeping focused on moving forward, via SportsNet LA:
“It was amazing. The last 48 hours were pretty special. Actually, not even 48, I don’t think. I think probably like 30 hours. It was awesome, it was amazing. The fact that we were able to come back and get the win, and be able to see my family and friends afterwards pretty awesome. … It’s hard to put into words, but just got to keep going. Whether it goes good or bad, you’ve just got to keep putting one foot in front of the other, try to keep doing your thing, do your job, show up and work hard.”
Busch went 1-for-3 with an RBI and walk in his debut. The lone hit was an RBI single in the sixth inning that helped the Dodgers cut into their deficit and it was an at-bat that Busch took a simple approach to:
“Absolutely. You kind of get lost in the moment, in a way. I wasn’t trying to do too much when we were down four or five runs. Just trying to pass it to the next guy and get us some runs and just try to put a good at-bat together.”
The Dodgers retrieved the ball from that first hit and RBI, which Busch isn’t yet sure of where it will end up as his father hopes to take possession of it:
“I don’t know. My dad asked if he could take it home, so we’ll have to fight over that one.”
Although Busch’s RBI single stood out as memorable, his walk in the eighth inning was just as key. That put two on for Chris Taylor, who slugged what held as the game-winning three-run run home run.
The plate discipline Busch displayed has been vital to the success of Dodgers teams in years past, and a trait that’s helped James Outman and Miguel Vargas early this season.
How long will Michael Busch remain with Dodgers?
Considering Busch joined the Dodgers as the corresponding roster move to Muncy going on paternity leave, his time at the Major League level could be brief. Muncy is permitted to be away from the Dodgers through Wednesday unless he is transferred off the paternity list.
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