Mets rookie Yan goes viral with first-K celebration
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- Jefry Yan made his major league debut on Wednesday night, pitching for the Mets in a 6-5 win over Cleveland
- Yan struck out pinch-hitter Angel Martínez with an 88.7 mph called third strike on a slider to open the sixth inning
- Yan's viral celebration included a high leap with feet spread apart, a landing on the front of the mound, a grass slap with his left hand while dropping to a knee, then standing feet together with both arms raised overhead
- Yan had performed the same signature celebration earlier in a Mets spring training game this year
- The Guardians loaded the bases on two singles and a walk after the first strikeout, but Yan escaped the jam without giving up a run via a second strikeout and an inning-ending grounder
- Yan, a 29-year-old left-hander, was booed by Cleveland fans as he entered the dugout with the Mets leading 4-3
Why it matters: A 29-year-old rookie's first MLB inning went viral — but it wasn't just a celebration clip. Yan entered a one-run game (4-3 Mets) and navigated a bases-loaded jam with a second strikeout and grounder, retiring the side without yielding a run in his debut.
