Jersey native Ford makes MLB debut in Bronx

NEW YORK – When the Yankees alerted Mike Ford to prepare for a pinch-hitting opportunity on Wednesday evening, the rookie first baseman noticed that his fingers appeared to be trembling through his batting gloves. He reminded himself to calm down, and that it was the same game he had been playing all his life.

Ford's services were ultimately not required, but he got a chance to step between the lines on a big league diamond one day later, going 0-for-3 with a walk as he made his Major League debut in Thursday's 6-1 loss to the Royals at Yankee Stadium.

"It was awesome," Ford said. "I actually wasn't very nervous; just ready for the moment. I tried to put a good swing on the ball. I think last night helped a bunch, just trying to go through it the first time. I was trying to enjoy it and have fun with it."

With Ford's parents, Bob and Barbara, in attendance, the Belle Mead, N.J. and Princeton University product flied out in a second-inning at-bat against right-hander Homer Bailey, struck out facing Bailey in the fourth and walked in the seventh against reliever Richard Lovelady.

He then waged an admirable battle against Ian Kennedy with two runners on and two out in the ninth, working the righty for eight pitches before taking a called third strike. Asked if he agreed with the game-ending call made by home-plate umpire Jerry Meals, Ford smiled and replied: "No comment."

"I saw a lot of pitches tonight, so I'm happy with that, staying with my plan and build from there," Ford said. "I put a few good swings on, and I just missed a few."

Ford, 26, hit .410/.467/.897 with 10 runs, four doubles, five homers and 14 RBIs in 10 games for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre before being promoted to New York on Tuesday, when first baseman Greg Bird landed on the 10-day injured list.

Signed as a non-drafted free agent by the Yankees in 2013, Ford logged 2,314 plate appearances in 561 Minor League games before receiving his call to The Show. He nearly made the Mariners' roster as a Rule 5 selection last year before being returned to the Yankees.

"The path is different for everyone, right?" Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. "Today, in a lot of ways, is a celebration for him. Thinking back to my Major League debut, there's a lot that goes into that. There's a lot of people that impact that; it's usually a special family moment. And it's something you can never take away from somebody -- he's a big league ballplayer."

Gettin' Miggy

Miguel Andújar has continued to progress as he attempts to avoid season-ending right labrum surgery, taking batting practice and throwing in the Yankee Stadium outfield on Thursday. Andujar is scheduled to throw to bases on Friday, according to Boone.

"Honestly, I feel really happy with the way the shoulder has responded to all the treatment and all the workouts that we've done," Andujar said through an interpreter. "That being said, practicing, taking ground balls and hitting in the cage is completely different from game action. One step at a time; keep everything in check, and we'll see what happens."

Boone said that Andujar is able to swing without discomfort, and Andujar estimated that he was swinging at about 90 percent intensity on Thursday. As such, the Yankees are considering using Andujar as a designated hitter or first baseman in the event that he is unable to return to third base.

"In Miggy's case, I would want to put his best interests long-term," Boone said. "Look, surgery is not always the answer and not always the best way to go. We're going to exhaust this and try to make the best decision, not only for us but for him, too."

Glove love

DJ LeMahieu received his Wilson Defensive Player of the Year Award prior to Thursday's game. LeMahieu was selected as the Majors' best defensive second baseman for his efforts last season with the Rockies, the third such time he has been honored by Wilson (also 2013 and '17).

Bombers bits

Troy Tulowitzki took on-field batting practice, ran and fielded ground balls on the Yankee Stadium infield on Thursday, and said that he feels no discomfort from his left calf strain. Tulowitzki said that he will travel with the team for its upcoming West Coast trip, but does not have a timetable for his activation.

"I feel good. Everything felt normal out there, so that was a plus," Tulowitzki said. "I think the next couple of days will be more of the same, and then we'll see what's ahead after that. It's day by day. The most important thing is feeling good. Hopefully not too much longer."

This date in Yankees history

April 18, 1923: The original Yankee Stadium opened its doors for the first time as the Yankees defeated the Red Sox, 4-1, in front of a reported crowd of 74,200 -- with 25,000 more turned away. Babe Ruth hit the park's first home run, a three-run shot in the third inning.