Getting called up to the Major Leagues as a baseball player is a dream that few get to realize. Even fewer are those who actually get to play during a game.
On Wednesday, that moment was reserved for newly-called up pitcher Brett Kerry of the Los Angeles Angels against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Earlier this week, the Angels called up the former South Carolina pitcher, whom Los Angeles had drafted in the fifth round of the 2021 MLB Draft.
Kerry was Los Angeles' third pitcher in the game against the Diamondbacks, which resulted in an 8-1 victory. Starting pitcher Sam Aldegheri lasted just three innings in the game, giving up six runs. Kerry's first MLB strikeout on Tommy Troy was an awesome moment:
All in all, Kerry pitched four innings, and gave up just two runs, registering two strikeouts. It wasn't the best of debuts, but he should get more comfortable in the Angels' rotation as the season progresses.
Kerry was drafted by the Angels in the fifth round of the 2021 MLB Draft following three seasons playing for the Gamecocks. He started his career with the Rocket City Trash Pandas from 2021-24, leaving the program as the all-time leader in wins (13), innings pitched (292.1), strikeouts (310), and starts (49). He also finished with an impressive 3.76 ERA across his four seasons there.
During his 2026 season, playing for Triple-A Salt Lake Angels affiliate, Kerry saw action in 14 games, getting 11 starts. He had 59 strikeouts across 62.1 innings. Los Angeles called Kerry up shortly after right handed pitcher Grayson Rodriguez was placed on the 15-day injured list due to lower back tightness. The Angeles are currently 29-45 on the season, and fifth in the AL West. The Angels also play the Athletics on the road this week before a three-game home series against the Baltimore Orioles.
At South Carolina, Kerry had one of his best seasons as a junior in 2021. He finished the season with a 5-1 record, and a 2.15 ERA as well as four saves on the year. He struck out 84 batters across 54.1 innings pitched. Perhaps most impressively, he still has the school's last complete shut-out, striking out 10 batters during a win over Kentucky in May 2021.
Can't wait to see how the rest of the season progresses for Kerry and the Angels! Los Angeles will play the Athletics Thursday evening, with first pitch set for 9:40 p.m. ET.
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