Sports
UFC 328 press conference start time: Watch live stream online for Khamzat Chimaev vs. Sean Strickland
CBS Sports Headlines
Sports
Reds reliever makes triumphant return to MLB after 3 Tommy John surgeries
TL;DR
Tejay Antone made a successful return to MLB with the Cincinnati Reds after undergoing three Tommy John surgeries, pitching a perfect eighth inning against the Chicago Cubs. The emotional moment brought him to tears as he celebrated with teammates.
Key points
- Tejay Antone returned to MLB after three Tommy John surgeries
- He pitched a perfect eighth inning against the Chicago Cubs
- Antone experienced an emotional moment, shedding tears of joy
Tejay AntoneCincinnati RedsChicago Cubs
Cincinnati Reds reliever Tejay Antone admitted he took a moment to himself and shed tears on Wednesday, May 6.
The right-hander fired a perfect eighth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. The outing marked Antone’s return to the major leagues after a third Tommy John surgery.
MORE: Cincinnati Reds seek new closer after Emilio Pagan’s devastating injury
“It felt great. All of the emotions, like super-pumped in that moment,” said Antone, recalled from Triple-A Louisville earlier in the day. “I came into the dugout, huge congratulations from the teammates and I walked to the end of the dugout and it kind of hit me then. Couple of tears. I had to step away for a second.
“Wow, just an amazing night, an amazing comeback.”
Inspirational performance
According to Reds beat writer C. Trent Rosecrans, Antone’s wife, Kelsi, left a work conference in Orlando to be in attendance for Wednesday’s game. She arrived in the fifth inning and was shown on the television broadcast celebrating her husband’s outing.
It wasn’t all smooth sailing for Antone. In between striking out Alex Bregman and Selya Suzuki, he gave up a long fly ball to Ian Happ. Reds center fielder TJ Friedl made a leaping grab into the ivy, inspiring a tip of the cap from Antone.
Q&A
What is Tejay Antone's injury history in MLB?
Tejay Antone has undergone three Tommy John surgeries prior to his return to the major leagues.
How did Tejay Antone perform in his first game back in MLB?
In his first game back, Tejay Antone pitched a perfect eighth inning against the Chicago Cubs.
What were Tejay Antone's emotions during his return to MLB?
Tejay Antone expressed overwhelming emotions, shedding tears of joy as he celebrated his comeback with teammates.
