Jose Fernandez’s big debut fuels Diamondbacks to series win against Tigers

With Pavin Smith moved to the injured list with an elbow injury earlier this week, the D-Backs called up Fernandez to give themselves depth in the infield. The No. 27 prospect in the organization, the rookie posted relatively good numbers this spring, with a .280 batting average, three home runs, seven RBIs and a 1.148 OPS through 10 games.

Those stats quickly translated to play at the MLB level in his first game.

Mar 31, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Jose Fernandez hits a home run and first MLB HR against the Detroit Tigers in the fourth inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

In his first at-bat in the bottom of the second, Fernandez caught an 82.5 mph slurve from Detroit Tigers right-handed pitcher Casey Mize for his first big league hit. While the ball didn’t leave the outfield, it was competitive enough for him to use his speed to hustle down the line for an infield single.

During the bottom of the fourth inning, the rookie caught a slider down the middle off Mize and hit his first career major league home run — a 408-foot shot.

However, his fourth at-bat was what made the most noise — literally.

Mar 31, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Jose Fernandez hits a home run and first MLB HR against the Detroit Tigers in the fourth inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

The Diamondbacks were down 5-0 early in the game before coming within striking distance at 5-4 in the bottom of the eighth inning. With two runners on and two outs, Fernandez connected for his second home run off veteran closer Kenley Jansen on a 92 mph cutter, bringing Arizona to a 7-5 lead.

Fernandez’s four-RBI debut was enough late in the game, as the D-Backs secured their first series win.

With Arizona’s depth already tested early in the year, Fernandez’s addition was meant to bring stability to the core as injured players returned. That opportunity turned into execution and delivery for the rookie.

HAVE A DEBUT, KID. pic.twitter.com/aqwzNrBLWg

— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) April 1, 2026

As a whole, the Diamondbacks once again showcased that they can flip a game around with a key inning and quality at-bats. The storylines in the last series were bats going cold late in the game, but this series proved they’ve made sure the bats stay consistent in the final innings.

With the series win under their belt, the Snakes will look for the sweep against the Tigers on Wednesday, April 1, at 12:40 p.m.