31-Year-Old To Make MLB Debut After 10 Years In Minors

These are the feel-good stories of baseball. Long-time minor leaguer finally gets his crack at The Show. That's the case today for 31-year-old right-hander Kevin Herget. A 39th-round draft pick, spending 10 years in the minors, the Tampa Bay Rays are giving him his shot.

Cool story for #Rays to call up RH Kevin Herget - is 31, has pitched in minors for 10 years, 39th round pick by StLCards in 2013, started this season in independent league
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) August 19, 2022

To be sure, this isn't some charity case for the Rays. This is a team fighting to maintain playoff positioning, and Herget, although he began the year in an independent league, has been tearing it up for the Rays' Triple-A Durham affiliate.

Since signing with #Rays May 11 and joining AAA @DurhamBulls, Kevin Herget is 8-1, 2.45 in 80 2/3 innings over 16 games, with an 82/11 K/BB ratio, though allowed 78 hits
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) August 19, 2022

In 16 games since joining the Bulls on May 11th, Herget is 8-1, with a 2.45 ERA in 80.2 innings, with an 82:11 K/BB ratio. He's deserving of the chance.

Herget's reaction upon learning of his call-up? "Surreal."

The Rays, and many other followers of baseball, are hoping that Herget makes the most of it.

Photo: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports