Jalen Beeks. (Elsa/Getty Images)
BOSTON (WBZ-AM) -- Jalen Beeks will make his Major League Debut opposite the Tigers tonight at 7 p.m. when he takes the Fenway mound in place of Drew Pomeranz.
"I've never started in the big leagues," Beeks said. "I'm really looking forward to it though, I'm really excited. Just honored that I get to be here and be a part of this team."
The lefty's 24 and a 2014 12th round draft pick. He's 3-and-3 for Pawtucket with a 2.56 ERA and 80 strikeouts in just 56-and-a-third innings to pace the International League. Boston's reigning minor league player of the year is eager to prove himself at baseball's highest level.
"I mean, this is where you want to be, this is the best in the world, and this is where you want to test who you are," he said. "I'm excited to go to the Detroit Tigers, they're a legendary team, I mean they've been around forever, so that's going to be really cool. But, just testing yourself against the best in the world, that's what you want to do."
Red Sox outfielder Andrew Benintendi actually played with Beeks in college at Arkansas, and he's excited.
"He's done extremely well, obviously, through the minor leagues," Benintendi said. "I only faced him one time in college. If I was using a wood bat, I would've shattered it. But he's gross--he's got good stuff, and got a lot of strikeouts, and he keeps hitters off-balance, so I'm extremely excited to see him."
Beeks said he expects to have about 20 friends and family members in attendance.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Adam Kaufman reports