Watch: Rays' Romo strikes out side in 1st inning of 1st career start

Video courtesy: MLB.com

Sergio Romo appeared in 588 games prior to Saturday's matchup against the Los Angeles Angels, but had never started. Until now.

The 35-year-old took on a daunting task in Anaheim, having to face the top of the Angels' order. Romo answered the call though, striking out Zack Cozart, Mike Trout, and Justin Upton to start the game before turning it over to Ryan Yarbrough.

In order to play matchups, the Tampa Bay Rays opted to start high-leverage reliever Romo against the right-handed heavy top of the Halos' lineup before giving the ball to long-relief lefty Yarbrough.

In total, Romo needed 18 pitches to punch out the side. While the Rays took the lead in the following frame, Romo will be ineligible to claim the win as a starter must make it five innings in order to qualify as the pitcher of record.