In a Major League debut on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026, New York Mets rookie pitcher Jefry Yan struck out Cleveland Guardians’ Angel Martínez and celebrated with a viral, high‑flying routine that captured the attention of fans and media alike. The 29‑year‑old left‑hander leapt off the mound, landed on the front, slapped the grass, and raised his arms after the out, helping the Mets secure a 6‑5 victory in Cleveland.
According to the Associated Press, Yan’s celebration began after he threw an 88.7‑mph slider for a third‑strike call, striking out Martínez in the sixth inning. Yan jumped high with his feet spread, landed on the front of the mound, briefly knelt, then slapped the grass with his left hand before standing upright and lifting both arms. When asked about the moment, Yan said, “Honestly, I was really excited. I was also a little nervous.” He explained that once he had Martínez on two strikes, he intended to use the slider, which he delivered successfully, and he celebrated accordingly. The Mets’ win over the Guardians marked a notable debut for Yan and provided an exciting moment for the team’s rookie corps.
Yan’s debut is significant because it was his first major‑league appearance and the first time a Mets rookie struck out a batter in his debut game. The celebration also underscores the heightened media attention given to memorable plays during MLB games.