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Snell strong in MLB debut at Yankee Stadium

Adam Hunger / USA TODAY Sports

Tampa Bay Rays pitching prospect Blake Snell had the daunting tasks of both making his big-league debut at Yankee Stadium and opposing Masahiro Tanaka, but the young southpaw rose to the occasion, tossing five innings of one-run ball while striking out six in a 3-2 loss to New York.

Snell, who is the first Ray to make his big-league debut at Yankee Stadium as a starter, departed the contest with a 2-1 lead, and threw 90 pitches.

Yankees catcher Brian McCann, who was Snell's first career strikeout victim, gloated about the youngster after the contest.

"I was impressed; good arm, live heater and you don't see many curveballs like that," McCann said. "He's got a bright future."

Tampa intends to send Snell back to Triple-A Durham following the spot start, but he'll likely get called up again at some point this season.

The 23-year-old is the 12th-ranked prospect in baseball, and the top player in Tampa's farm system, according to MLB.com.

(Video courtesy: MLB.com)

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