Jonathan Loaisiga came to the Bronx this week with a live arm and a New York-style nickname. Put the two together, and of course, you get internet gold.
The 23-year-old right-hander made his major league debut Friday for the Yankees against the Rays, pitching five shutout innings to earn the win.
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Even before he took the mound at Yankee Stadium, he was something of a fan favorite for something besides baseball.
Twitter, please explain:
Jonathan Loaisiga said that people call him "Lasagna" because they can't pronounce his last name. So Johnny Lasagna it is, Twitter.
— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) June 15, 2018
For the record, here's the official pronunciation from the Yankees:
In case you need help with pronunciation 👇 pic.twitter.com/IAkgLXxe46
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) June 15, 2018
I mean it’s Johnny Lasagna. Anything else is wrong and will not be accepted at this time https://t.co/SMXQXF110L
— Eric Hubbs (@BarstoolHubbs) June 15, 2018
Now back to the game — and the puns. So many puns:
There are several layers to Johnny Lasagna's pitch repertoire
— Christopher Kamka (@ckamka) June 16, 2018
Johnny Lasagna must be a vegetarian because he's not serving any meat tonight! Straight CHEESE! #Yankees
— The Simonetti Source (@SimonettiSource) June 15, 2018
Jonny Lasagna out here throwing cheese.
— Marc Carig (@MarcCarig) June 15, 2018
hahahahaha 4 K’s through 2 innings for Johnny Lasagna pic.twitter.com/EDBShET9Wy
— Pinstripe Alley (@pinstripealley) June 15, 2018
He's no noodle arm, that Lasagna.
— Vince Lara-Cinisomo (@vincelara) June 16, 2018
Fusille question: How long before every Italian restaurant in the Bronx has a "Johnny Lasagna" on their menu? #yankees
— Joe Manniello (@joe_manniello) June 16, 2018
Wise guys should have such good nicknames. (Loaisiga is not of Italian descent, by the way; he was born in Nicaragua.)
Fortunately for him, he's a good sport about the nickname and the dish.
FWIW, Loaisiga says he likes lasagna.
— Marc Carig (@MarcCarig) June 16, 2018
Let's hope he's not inundated with baking pans covered by aluminum foil.
