Danny Jansen Makes MLB History in Unique Double Play

Danny Jansen has made MLB history as the first catcher to participate in the same game for both teams. On June 26, Jansen played for the Toronto Blue Jays when their game against the Boston Red Sox was halted due to rain. Remarkably, a day later the Red Sox traded for Jansen and he then played for them when the game resumed on June 28.

At the time of the rain delay, Jansen was batting for the Blue Jays and the interruption meant his former team had to use a pinch-hitter, Daulton Varsho in his place. Once Jansen joined the Red Sox, he appeared as their catcher when the game resumed at Fenway Park. This unique scenario marked the first instance in MLB history where a player competed against his previous team in a suspended game that then resumed.

Danny Jansen reflected on the experience, saying, “I’m just going to put my head down and play. It’s definitely a cool thing.” While new signings often join suspended games, Jansen’s case is unprecedented because it involved playing against his former team. The Blue Jays won the game 4-1 and Jansen’s name appeared in the box score and lineup for both teams.

Jansen described the situation as “strange,” admitting he never expected to be part of such a historical moment. He added, “I never would have imagined myself in this situation with it being history. I guess I would have assumed it would have happened before.”