For the first time since August 9, 2017, Rays pitcher Jose De Leon pitched in a regular season contest, as he threw 1 2/3 innings for the Charlotte Stone Crabs Saturday against the Jupiter Hammerheads at Charlotte Sports Park.
The 26-year-old, who underwent Tommy John surgery last spring, allowed a pair of hits and three runs -- two earned. He walked a pair and did not strike out a batter.
Despite the results not being perfect, De Leon was excited about just getting in to a game.
"The results tonight were not the best, but I feel good and could not be more excited to be toeing the rubber again," De Leon said on Twitter. "For that reason, tonight was one of the happiest moments in my life."
De Leon, who came over from the Los Angeles Dodgers in a January 2017 deal that sent infielder Logan Forsythe out west, has one career appearance with the Rays. He is 1-0 with a 10.13 ERA with Tampa Bay.