Torrey Pines grad C.J. Stubbs makes big-league debut, catches shutout

by John Maffei

Seconds after he recorded the save in Monday’s 2-0 win over the Miami Marlins, Washington Nationals closer Jose Ferrer strolled off the mound and handed the ball to catcher C.J. Stubbs.

It was a keepsake and a show of respect to Stubbs, who made his big-league debut Monday after six years in the minor leagues.

Stubbs, who starred at Torrey Pines High School and USC, made it a memorable one. While he went hitless in three plate appearances, popping up, flying out and grounding out to third, Stubbs also became the first player since Sean Murphy of the A’s in 2019 to catch a shutout in his MLB debut.

Making things sweeter, Stubbs was called to the bigs on the same day his brother Garrett, who has played in 192 major league games over six seasons with the Astros and Phillies, was called up to the big leagues by Philadelphia. Rosters expanded Monday, allowing teams to carry extra players for the regular season’s final month.

Washington Nationals catcher CJ Stubbs throws out Miami Marlins' Xavier Edwards at first base during the first inning of a baseball game at Nationals Park, Monday, Sept. 1, 2025, in Washington. This marks Stubbs' Major League debut. (AP Photo/Jess Rapfogel) — Washington Nationals catcher CJ Stubbs throws out Miami Marlins’ Xavier Edwards at first base during the first inning of a baseball game at Nationals Park, Monday, Sept. 1, 2025, in Washington. This marks Stubbs’ Major League debut. (AP Photo/Jess Rapfogel)

The Stubbses are the 457th set of brothers to play in the major leagues. And C.J. Stubbs is the sixth San Diegan to catch in the big leagues this season, joining his brother, Korey Lee (Vista) of the White Sox, Alex Jackson (Rancho Bernardo) of the Orioles, Austin Wynns (Poway) of the A’s and Riley Adams (Canyon Crest Academy) of the Nationals.

The 28-year-old Stubbs was called up to the big leagues to serve as Adams’ backup. The rookie earned Monday’s start because of his relationship with left-handed starter Andrew Alvarez, who was also making his major-league debut. It was only the sixth time in major league history that the starting pitcher and catcher were making their debuts in the same game.

“I’m so happy to share this with Alvie,” Stubbs said on Nationals TV after both were doused with water. “We both had some nerves, but I’ve worked with him a lot in the minors. I think we helped each other settle down.”

Known as a defensive specialist, Stubbs started the season in Double-A. He was promoted to Triple-A, playing in 28 games with Rochester and hitting .142 when he was called up.

He got the call over former Padres catcher Francisco Mejía.