Graterol steps up in first big league start

ANAHEIM — Angels catcher Juan Graterol paid his dues for 11 years in the Minor Leagues before he earned his first Major League start on Wednesday night at Angel Stadium.

Graterol made the most of his opportunity, calling a good game and going 2-for-2 with the Angels’ only run in a 2-1 loss to the Mariners.

“It’s unbelievable,” said Graterol, who gave the Angels a 1-0 lead when he scored on a wild pitch in the third inning. “I didn’t expect that.”

Graterol could hardly hold back a smile as he addressed reporters after the game in the Angels’ clubhouse. He had plenty of reasons to be happy.

“I’m just doing my job,” he said. “It’s 11 years, but if you trust yourself. If you’re working hard, if you’re doing the right things, that’s why I’m here, I just try to do my job, try to help the team and show what I can do.”

Graterol helped Angels starter Jhoulys Chacin navigate a tough Mariners lineup for six …

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