Former UVU Pitcher Paxton Schultz Makes Record-Setting MLB Debut

SALT LAKE CITY – Former Utah Valley pitcher Paxton Schultz will forever have an incredible, record-setting story to tell about his major league debut. Hours after learning the Toronto Blue Jays were calling him up to MLB for the first time, Schultz equaled a rookie strikeout record.

His eight punchouts in 4.1 innings matched four other players for the most by a pitcher making his MLB debut as a reliever.

What a debut 👏

8 strikeouts by Paxton Schultz TIES the @MLB record for the MOST in a debut by a reliever! #lightsupletsgo pic.twitter.com/NvjMMuZCDN

— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) April 20, 2025

It was a whirlwind day for Schultz that began the night before when he was summoned to the office of Triple-A manager Casey Candaele. The Buffalo Bisons’ skipper informed Schultz that the Blue Jays were adding him to the club’s taxi squad. Minutes before arriving at Rogers Centre for Sunday’s game, Toronto added Schultz to the active roster.

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After signing his first MLB contract in manager John Schneider’s office, Schultz began preparing for his potential debut. Blue Jays starter Easton Lucas got tagged for six runs in 1.2 innings, putting the team in an early hole.

Enter Schultz.

Paxton Schultz made his MLB debut!

He made the most of his debut as he struck out 8 over 4.1 scoreless IP while racking up 17 whiffs. It's been a long time coming for Schultz after being drafted in the 14th round in 2019.

Congratulations! pic.twitter.com/J1BITtWXYi

— Thomas Nestico (@TJStats) April 20, 2025

The ex-Wolverine took over, generating 17 swings and misses from Seattle batters. He allowed two hits and didn’t walk a batter, while throwing 78 percent of his pitches for strikes.

“This is just a surreal feeling,” Schultz told MLB.com’s Keegan Matheson, beaming in front of the cameras. “This is something you work towards your whole life. To be out there, perform, and have success? It was just unbelievable.”

Paxton Schultz | Pitcher

Triple-A Buffalo Bisons – (Toronto Blue Jays)

The 6’3 righty became the third player in UVU history to be called up after Mitch Jones and Kam Mickolio.

Shultz appeared in 46 games (30 starts) over three seasons (2017-19) for Utah Valley, finishing his career with a 3-17 record and 4.61 ERA in 209 innings. As a junior in 2019, Schultz threw a career-high 99.1 innings in 15 starts. He ended the year with a 4.08 ERA and tied the single-season program record with 99 punchouts, including a career-high 11 Ks against South Carolina. 

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Paxton Schultz's first big league outing with the @BlueJays is one for the history books 📚

4 1/3 IP
2 H
0 R
0 BB
8 K (tied for the most by a reliever in his MLB debut) pic.twitter.com/0hPmNvxPCP

— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) April 20, 2025

The Milwaukee Brewers drafted him in the 14^th round with the 433^rd overall pick. He started his minor league career in the Pioneer League with the Rocky Mountain Vibes before being traded to the Blue Jays in May 2021. He made minor league appearances in Vancouver, New Hampshire, and Buffalo.

2025 MiLB Stats: 4 Appearances | 0-0 | 2.08 ERA | 8.2 IP | 9 Ks | 2 BB | 1.04 WHIP

2024 Stats: 12 Appearances | 1-1 | 4.68 ERA | 25 IP | 35 Ks | 24 BB | 1.72 WHIP

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Brian Preece is a sports.ksl.com insider covering Locals in MLB and the Salt Lake Bees. Follow Brian’s Bees and Beehive baseball here. Find Brian on X, Instagram, and BlueSky at @bpreece24. 

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