Danny Jansen Set to Make MLB History by Playing for Both Teams in a Single Game

Manager John Schneider on Jansen: “Danny brings a lot to the table with his leadership and ability to handle a pitching staff. He’s one of the best defensive catchers in the game, and he’s shown he can swing the bat as well.”

Teammate on Jansen’s character: “Danny’s a guy who works incredibly hard. He’s always one of the first guys in and last out. He’s a leader in the clubhouse, and we trust him completely behind the plate.”

Boston Red Sox catcher Danny Jansen is set to make some unique baseball history on Monday. The seven-year Major League Baseball (MLB) veteran will become the first player ever to play for both teams in a single game when the Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays resume a matchup that was suspended by rain on June 26. This unusual situation will unfold as the game continues on Monday, serving as the first half of a doubleheader.

Appleton West graduate Danny Jansen in line to make MLB history when Boston Red Sox face Toronto Blue Jays in suspended game Monday. https://t.co/ymNSjHcqyy

— The Post-Crescent (@PostCrescent) August 24, 2024

Jansen initially played for the Blue Jays during the game’s original occurrence. However, after being traded to the Red Sox on July 27, he now finds himself in a rare position. Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora has confirmed that Jansen will be inserted into Boston’s lineup when the game resumes, effectively meaning Jansen will be credited with playing for both teams in the same game. “Yeah, he’s catching,” Cora said, embracing the historic nature of the situation. “Let’s make history!”

The news has generated considerable buzz among reporters and baseball columnists, who have been speculating about the unique situation since Jansen’s trade to Boston. As highlighted by Gabrielle Starr of the Boston Herald, Cora made the announcement before the Red Sox’s game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, adding a layer of excitement to what is already a noteworthy occurrence.

Jansen, 29, has adjusted well to his new role with the Red Sox, appearing in 13 games and posting a .257 batting average with a .794 OPS, two home runs, and five RBIs. Prior to the trade, he played 61 games for Toronto, where he had a .212 batting average, a .671 OPS, 13 doubles, six home runs, and 18 RBIs.

The June 26 game was tied 0–0 in the bottom of the second inning when it was suspended due to rain. At the time, Jansen was at bat for the Blue Jays with one out and a runner on base, and he was behind in the count 0–1. With the game set to resume, Jansen will now take over for Reese McGuire in Boston’s lineup. McGuire was designated for assignment following Jansen’s acquisition by the Red Sox.

Catcher to make MLB history by playing for Red Sox, Blue Jays in same game.⚾️
Monday’s game is the resumption of the June 26 game suspended due to rain. Danny Jansen started the game behind the plate for the Blue Jays & was traded to the Red Sox @ the deadline.⚾️ pic.twitter.com/3JhBWCYMNu

— Gary McMurrain (@GarySonnyChiba) August 24, 2024

Reflecting on the unique situation, Jansen expressed his own surprise and curiosity about the rules surrounding such an occurrence. “I don’t even know how this works,” Jansen told The Athletic after being traded to Boston. “I’ve heard about it a couple times. That’d be funky.”

Indeed, this unprecedented situation is a rare instance in MLB history, highlighting the unique and unpredictable nature of baseball. As fans and players alike prepare to witness this historic event, Danny Jansen’s name will be etched into the record books for an achievement that is likely to be talked about for years to come.

Facts ….Danny Jansen:

1. Drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays: Jansen was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 16th round of the 2013 MLB Draft.
2. MLB Debut: He made his MLB debut on August 13, 2018, against the Kansas City Royals.
3. Defensive Prowess: Jansen is known for his defensive capabilities, including his ability to frame pitches and handle a pitching staff effectively.
4. Offensive Growth: While initially known more for his defense, Jansen has shown significant improvement at the plate, becoming a more consistent hitter with occasional power.
5. 2023 Season: In the 2023 season, Jansen hit 17 home runs and drove in 50 runs over 86 games, showing his ability to contribute offensively when healthy.

Key Points:

i. Danny Jansen will make MLB history by playing for both the Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays in the same game, which resumes on Monday after being suspended in June.

ii. Jansen originally played for the Blue Jays in the suspended game but was traded to the Red Sox on July 27, allowing him to appear for both teams in the same matchup.

iii. Red Sox manager Alex Cora confirmed Jansen will catch for Boston when the game resumes, making the unusual situation official.

iv. Jansen has performed well since joining Boston, with a .257 batting average, two home runs, and five RBIs in 13 games.

v. The game, initially suspended with a 0–0 score in the bottom of the second inning, will resume with Jansen stepping into a historic role, replacing Reese McGuire in Boston’s lineup.

Charles William III – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News