Puerto Rican catcher Brian Navarreto made a successful debut with the Miami Marlins in their 4-2 win over the Texas Rangers on Wednesday, just hours after suffering an allergic reaction that caused his face and body to swell. Navarreto contributed to the win with a run scored, a sacrifice bunt that helped manufacture a run, and two defensive plays that retired Rangers baserunners. He also guided six Miami pitchers who combined for seven strikeouts.
The victory marked the Marlins' 16th win in June, the most in the major leagues for the month, according to MLB.com. Navarreto's debut was in doubt due to the health issue, but the Marlins' medical staff identified the cause and controlled it in time. Navarreto said he was not allergic to anything, but experienced an unexpected reaction after eating and taking protein.
He was determined to play, saying 'nothing was going to take me out of the game, not even an allergy.'