In a historic moment for the Pittsburgh Pirates and Major League Baseball, Endy Rodríguez and Quinn Priester made their highly anticipated big league debuts on Monday, July 17, 2023, against the Cleveland Guardians. The duo formed the first starting battery born in the year 2000 or later, marking a significant milestone for the franchise and the sport.

Rodríguez, a highly touted catching prospect, was surprised with the news of his call-up after a Triple-A game on Sunday. He was immediately inserted into the Pirates' lineup, batting seventh and taking his place behind the plate. Priester, a promising young right-hander, took the mound as the starting pitcher.

While the Pirates ultimately lost the game 11-0, the focus remained on the historic debut of their young stars. Rodríguez, while going 0-for-4 with three strikeouts, expressed his excitement and confidence in the team's future. He believes the young talent within the Pirates organization has the potential to achieve great things.

Priester, despite giving up seven runs in 5 1/3 innings, also acknowledged the significance of the day. He emphasized the importance of learning from the experience and building upon it for future success. He started strong, retiring the first nine batters before allowing a walk and a two-run homer.

Rodríguez's journey to the majors included a trade from the New York Mets and a strong showing at the All-Star Futures Game. He expressed his joy at finally realizing his dream of playing in the major leagues. The Pirates' youth movement is in full swing, with several other prospects recently called up to contribute to the team's rebuilding efforts. Rodríguez embraces the opportunity to play any position to help the team win.

Priester, a first-round draft pick in 2019, showcased his composure during a rain delay, efficiently getting through the first inning. He expressed his eagerness to soak in the experience of his debut and appreciate the journey that led him to this point. Along with Rodríguez, infielder Liover Peguero was also promoted, adding another young talent to the Pirates' roster. Peguero had a brief stint in the majors the previous year.

The emotional impact of the call-up was evident, with Rodríguez admitting to shedding tears of joy multiple times. The arrival of these young players signifies a new chapter for the Pittsburgh Pirates, filled with hope and the promise of a brighter future.