An Emotional Rijo Returns to Majors

Jose Rijo returned to the major leagues after six years on the sidelines and five elbow operations, pitching two scoreless innings for the Cincinnati Reds on Friday night.

“I cannot describe with words how I feel right now. It’s beyond anything in my life that I ever accomplished,” an emotional Rijo said. “No moment could beat this moment today, until I die and go to heaven and meet Jesus. This feeling is that close.”

Rijo pitched the eighth and ninth innings of the Reds’ 5-1 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers. He gave up two hits and walked two but pitched out of a bases-loaded jam in the ninth, striking out two.

How long had it been since the 36-year-old Rijo pitched in the majors? He received a vote on a Hall of Fame ballot this year.

Rijo, the most valuable player in the 1990 World Series, became the first player to appear in a major league game after receiving a Hall of Fame vote since Minnie Minoso got six in 1969 and then played for the Chicago White Sox in 1976 and 1980. The Reds bought Rijo’s contract from triple-A Louisville. He took the roster spot of third baseman Aaron Boone, who went on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday because of a broken right wrist.