Phoenix, Arizona (March 31, 2026) - Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Jose Fernandez hit two home runs in his major league debut, powering a 7-5 comeback victory over the Detroit Tigers at Chase Field.[1][2]

The 22-year-old Fernandez was added to the active roster on March 30 after the Diamondbacks placed first baseman/ outfielder Pavin Smith on the 10-day injured list due to left elbow soreness.[1][3]

Detroit scored five runs in the third inning to take a 5-0 lead. Fernandez responded with a solo home run in the fourth inning off Tigers starter Casey Mize, trimming the deficit to 5-1.[1][2]

Arizona erupted for six runs in the eighth inning. Fernandez capped the rally with a three-run home run off closer Kenley Jansen, securing the lead at 7-5.[1][2]

Fernandez went 3-for-4 with four RBI and two runs scored in the game. [1][2]

"I returned to my days as a kid — just a dream come true," Fernandez said.[1]

Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo praised the rookie: "He deserves all this credit. We’re so proud of him. He’s a player who came through our system."[1]

Fernandez joined rare company. He became the second player in the past week to hit two home runs in a regular-season debut, following Cleveland Guardians outfielder Chase DeLauter on March 26 against the Seattle Mariners. DeLauter had previously appeared in the postseason.[1][4]

Previous players to hit two home runs in their MLB debut include Trevor Story (Colorado Rockies, April 5, 2016), J.P. Arencibia (Toronto Blue Jays, August 4, 2010), Mark Quinn (Kansas City Royals, September 12, 1999) and Bob Nieman (St. Louis Browns, September 17, 1951).[5]

Sources

1. Fox News Digital
   Article: "Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Jose Fernandez joined rare company..."
   Publication date: April 1, 2026
   https://www.foxnews.com/sports/arizona-diamondbacks-jose-fernandez-debut-two-homers
2. MLB.com
   Page: "Arizona Diamondbacks vs Detroit Tigers (March 31, 2026) Game Recap and Box Score"
   Accessed: April 1, 2026
   https://www.mlb.com/gameday/diamondbacks-vs-tigers/2026/03/31/777777
3. Arizona Diamondbacks official site
   Page: "Transactions - March 30, 2026"
   Publication date: March 30, 2026
   https://www.mlb.com/dbacks/news/transactions-2026-03-30
4. ESPN
   Article: "Guardians' Chase DeLauter hits two HRs in regular-season debut vs Mariners"
   Publication date: March 27, 2026
   http://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=401654321
5. Baseball-Reference.com
   Page: "MLB Player Debuts - Multiple Home Runs"
   Accessed: April 1, 2026
   https://www.baseball-reference.com/leaders/HR_batter_debut.shtml