Padres’ Rodolfo Duran makes 1st MLB hit count with home run vs. Mariners

The San Diego Padres elevated catcher Rodolfo Duran nearly 10 days ago for his newest big leagues moment. He made his first MLB hit count against the Seattle Mariners: Blasting a home run Saturday.

The native of the Dominican Republic waited until the top of the seventh inning to pound his homer. He even swung on the first pitch, sending the ball flying 386 feet on the two-run blast.

A moment 11 years in the making!

Rodolfo Durán, who spent 11 years in the Minor Leagues, notches his first career hit AND home run! pic.twitter.com/pFSGuztCD0

— MLB (@MLB) May 17, 2026

Duran did more than send that four-seam fastball over the fence. That hit capped off quite the journey to achieve MLB hit No. 1.

Manager Craig Stammen and the Padres added a talent who never came via the MLB Draft. Duran instead spent more than 10 years in different minor league systems. He played for teams affiliated with the Philadelphia Phillies, Kansas City Royals and New York Yankees. Duran played in his homeland too, starring for Estrellas Orientales of the Domincan Winter League.

But he arrived to the 619 region amid a notable MLB Injury. Luis Campusano went from breakout Padres star during April to injured. Campusano landed on the injured list, allowing San Diego to make room for Duran. He ripped three home runs before his ailment cleared room for Duran.

But the 28-year-old from Santo Domingo emerged as the feel good story for the winning Padres. He took to the plate four times and also scored one run while driving two runners home.

Duran helped improve San Diego’s record to 27-18 overall and tied for first place atop the National League West with the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers.

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