Former Palm Desert star pitcher Jeremiah Estrada impresses in MLB debut for Chicago Cubs
Jeremiah Estrada lived out his dream on Tuesday night, making his Major League Baseball debut in an impressive performance as a relief pitcher for the Chicago Cubs.
Let’s go! @Jeremiah13Estra making his @MLB debut for the @Cubs! Epic! @KESQ @pdhsalumni @PDAztecsports @pdhsofficial pic.twitter.com/mGKm7qp3GB
— Blake Arthur (@BlakeArthur24) August 31, 2022
The 23-year-old Estrada tossed a scoreless 8th inning against the Blue Jays, striking out two batters on 17 pitches at Rogers Centre in Toronto.
First career strikeout for Jeremiah Estrada! pic.twitter.com/qy10PGVXzI
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) August 31, 2022
The former Palm Desert ace showcased his electric stuff, consistently throwing in the upper 90s and topping out at 99 mph.
JEREMIAH ESTRADA THROWS HEAT 👀
— Cubs Zone ™️ (@CubsZone) August 31, 2022
(📸: @WatchMarquee) pic.twitter.com/VShdm4hdPs
Prior to getting called up, Estrada had a 1.30 ERA and 1.06 WHIP in 48 IP with 78 K across three levels of minor league baseball within the Cubs organization.
Always regarded as a highly touted right handed pitcher, Estrada was a 6th round pick in 2017, forgoing UCLA to sign with the Cubs, who gave him a reported $1M signing bonus.
BREAKING: Palm Desert pitcher Jeremiah Estrada drafted by Chicago Cubs in 6th round of MLB Draft (195th overall). https://t.co/IKt9J2joRk
— Blake Arthur (@BlakeArthur24) June 13, 2017
However, Estrada's road to his MLB debut didn't come easy, dealing with injuries along the way, notably undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2019.
Palm Desert's Jeremiah Estrada made his Cubs debut tonight, pitching a scoreless 8th in Toronto. Here we are in 2017 the day after he was drafted! Congrats Jeremiah! pic.twitter.com/xpgVo1WyGw
— John White KESQ (@JohnWhiteKESQ) August 31, 2022
But in the end, here on August 30, 2022 the Indio native made it where he's always dreamed of being - on the big stage in the big leagues.
And did he ever deliver.
I think the whole valley (and scouts) knew this day would eventually come for @Jeremiah13Estra. His talent has always been undeniable. One of the most raw, gifted prep pitchers I've ever seen. He showcased that tonight in his debut. Electric stuff. @MLB @Cubs @KESQ
— Blake Arthur (@BlakeArthur24) August 31, 2022
Despite Estrada's stellar debut, the Cubs lost 5-3.
Stay with KESQ News Channel 3 as Estrada's career continues.
