‘Amazing’ debut a long time coming

DETROIT — Ronny Rodriguez had a memorable major-league debut, getting two hits, scoring a run and making plays at second and third base to help the Tigers beat the Angels 6-2 Thursday.

“Amazing day,” Rodriguez said in front of his locker stall under a generic name plate and next to his suitcase. “I’ve been waiting for this the last eight years. It’s a dream come true.”

The Tigers called the 26-yearold Dominican infielder on Wednesday night after he hit for the cycle playing for the Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens at Syracuse.

He woke up at 4 a.m. Thursday in New York to fly to Detroit, where his mother and girlfriend were in the stands.

“He won’t ever forget it,” Tigers manager Ron Gardenhire said.

Victor Reyes hit a three-run triple in the five-run first, and the Rule 5 pick from the Diamondbacks had his first multihit game. He entered the game hitting just .139 while playing sparingly.

“I’ve got to get him more at-bats,” Gardenhire said.

Detroit starter Ryan Carpenter was on pace to pick up his first career victory but left the game after four innings with an oblique strain and was sent to list after the game.

Warwick Saupold (3-1) replaced Carpenter and pitched two perfect innings. Carpenter gave up one run and five hits.

Andrew Heaney (2-4) allowed five runs in five innings. He had given up a total of six runs over his previous six starts.

“Gardy has all those guys playing hard, which has always been a trademark of his clubs,” manager Mike Scioscia said. “They do things right . ... For any young player to be in that environment, you’re going to reap some benefits down the road.” the disabled