TUCSON, Ariz. — Former Arizona Baseball standout J.J. Matijevic, a member of the program from 2015-17, made his Major League debut with the Houston Astros on Friday night at Minute Maid Park.
Following four-plus years of Minor League service time Matijevic made his debut as a pinch hitter in the ninth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays, becoming the 88th Arizona Wildcat in MLB history.
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Matijevic saw time in 179 games across three seasons with Arizona from 2015-17 and was a key member of the 2016 Wildcats squad that advanced all the way to the College World Series finals. During his collegiate career he hit .312 with 120 runs scored, 60 doubles, 17 home runs, and 128 RBI. His 30 doubles during the 2017 season are tied for the program's single-season record.
He opened the 2022 season with Triple-A Sugar Land, where he hit .310 with nine runs, eight extra-base hits, and 10 RBI across 11 games before earning his promotion to Houston. Matijevic etched his name into the team's record books on April 5 when he hit the first home run in Space Cowboys history.
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Matijevic and the Astros are back in action against the Blue Jays on Saturday afternoon.
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