The suspenseful buildup for Paul Goldschmidt's first major league at-bat has been going on for the entire 2011 season. After Brandon Allen was traded to Oakland in exchange for reliever Brad Ziegler, the path was finally clear -- Goldschmidt had a spot on the big league roster of the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Goldschmidt met up with the team on Monday in San Francisco, hours before a huge series between the Giants and Diamondbacks was slated to begin.
Manager Kirk Gibson slotted Goldschmidt in the 7th spot in the batting order, right behind Ryan Roberts and in front of Gerardo Parra.
Goldschmidt's first big league at bat took place in the top of the second inning, with two outs and Miguel Montero on second base.
Facing Matt Cain, Goldschmidt wasn't phased. He knocked a single into right field, pushing Montero to third and allowing the D-backs to threaten early against Cain.
While Parra was unable to drive home any runs, Goldschmidt still showed what he was made of, and D-backs fans can be excited that their future franchise first baseman is already getting comfortable in the major leagues.
For more on Goldschmidt and the Diamondbacks, check out AZ Snake Pit.