Marlins pitcher Urena describes whirlwind first week in majors

By foxsports
Published

Prospect Jose Urena, a 23-year-old righty from the Dominican Republic, experienced the whirlwind adventure of getting called up to the big leagues last Monday when the Miami Marlins placed righty David Phelps on the paternity list.

Urena has appeared in two games since, tossing a scoreless inning in Atlanta and surrendering three runs in two frames on Saturday in New York. He teamed up with FOXSportsFlorida.com to recap his first week in the majors -- from hearing the news while in New Orleans to living the dream.

I was in my apartment on Monday around 12. They told me, 'You've got to be ready because you've got two hours to get to the airport and ready for the flight. Pack all your things, and you've got to go to the big leagues.' I packed some things and left some bags. My roommate said he'd take care of that and for me.

I arrived at 6:30 before first pitch. I went directly to the ballpark. My teammates were excited. All of the guys know me already (from spring training). It was really cool and a little different to be out there for the National Anthem. When you're starting you have to be there early in the bullpen.

That was my first time in the big leagues with the big team. I'm here and I've got to do the job. I wasn't nervous (when I pitched the next day). The first day I was a little because I was late and I didn't get to do my throwing program. They said 'maybe you've got to be ready. We don't know if we'll need you.' That day I was fine.

My friends were excited and texted me, called me (after I pitched). A couple of them were watching the game. 'We saw you, we saw you there!' My family -- they saw the highlights and I sent some video.

You don't have much time to sightsee in Atlanta or New York City. Wake up, eat, go to the ballpark. This isn't my first time in New York City. I faced the Staten Island Yankees. I played there in 2011. That was cool. It was a good stadium and a short season. I visited Brooklyn a lot because we played there, too.

It's a little different coming out of the bullpen because you have to be ready all the time. You never know in the situation they need you. You've got to be ready. You never know, so you've got to be ready and everything.

I'm here. This is a dream come true.

You can follow Christina De Nicola on Twitter @CDeNicola13 or email her at cdenicola13@gmail.com.