How Red Sox’s Jhostynxon Garcia Reacted To Reported Call-Up

Jhostynxon Garcia received a ticket to The Show on Thursday.

The Boston Red Sox are reportedly promoting Garcia ahead of their four-game series against the New York Yankees. They’re expected to place Wilyer Abreu on the injured list in a coinciding move, per MassLive’s Chris Cotillo.

While the Red Sox have yet to formally announce the move, Garcia spoke to reporters at Polar Park before bidding farewell to Triple-A Worcester.

“I’m really excited and happy,” Garcia said through a translator, per MassLive’s Katie Morrison-O’Day. “Didn’t expect (a call-up) today, or anything for that matter, but I’m just happy.”

WooSox coach Iggy Saurez said Garcia had a calm response to the big news, but the 22-year-old said he felt “the urge to cry.” He had a tearful call with his parents after learning of his promotion.

“Definitely a dream come true. Definitely a dream that he had since he was a little kid,” Garcia’s translator said.

Garcia crushed Triple-A pitching all year long, batting .303/.367/.564 with 17 home runs in 66 games with the WooSox. He rose to No. 77 in MLB.com’s recently updated prospect rankings as the organization’s third-best minor leaguer behind Franklin Arias and Payton Tolle.

A call-up still didn’t seem imminent because of Boston’s crowded outfield. Abreu hoped to avoid an IL stint after injuring his calf last Sunday, but the right fielder will reportedly be sidelined for the second time this season. His first IL trip led to Boston promoting Roman Anthony.

It’s unclear how often Garcia will play, as Alex Cora can move Ceddanne Rafaela back to Boston’s outfield alongside Anthony and Jarren Durran. Yet the right-handed rookie may see some reps against left-handed pitching, and he began playing at first base shortly before his promotion.