Mets pitcher Jefry Yan celebrates MLB debut with signature 'Tigger' dance

New York Mets left-handed pitcher Jefry Yan, nicknamed "Tigger," made his highly anticipated Major League Baseball debut on August 6, 2026. The 29-year-old reliever entered the game in the bottom of the sixth inning against the Cleveland Guardians, tasked with holding a narrow lead.

Yan's debut was marked by his signature celebration: a spirited "Tigger" dance on the mound after recording his first MLB strikeout. He achieved this milestone by fanning batter Angel Martínez with an 88.7 mph slider. Despite facing a bases-loaded situation later in the inning after allowing two hits and a walk, Yan managed to escape the jam by striking out the next two batters, preserving his scoreless outing.

The Mets ultimately secured a 6-5 victory in extra innings. The game was tied 4-4 after eight innings, and the Mets took a 5-4 lead in the top of the ninth due to a costly error by the Guardians' shortstop. The Guardians forced extra innings, but the Mets scored the go-ahead run in the 10th inning, holding on for the win. Yan was credited with his first MLB career win.

Throughout his one inning of work, Yan allowed two hits, issued one walk, and recorded two strikeouts, all without conceding a run. His fastest pitch of the game registered at 101.1 mph (approximately 162.7 km/h), making it the fastest pitch of the entire game. Yan's journey to the majors has been a long one, starting his professional career in 2013 and undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2016. He rejoined affiliated baseball in 2021 and has since played in Japan and for various MLB organizations before finally reaching the big leagues with the Mets.

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Jefry Yan records his first career strikeout and has the celebration to match!