With their final pick on the first day of the draft, the Dodgers chose a guy who pitched his way into the top five rounds during his final two starts of the season.
Mitchell White, a right-hander out of Santa Clara, underwent Tommy John surgery out of high school and saw a late-season increase in his velocity and touched 96 mph 10 times in his final start, according to Baseball America.
However, in that game, White allowed six runs on 10 hits, and had four walks over seven innings. The Dodgers jumped on two players who saw their draft stock sky-rocket near draft day in Smith and White.
In his comments after the first two rounds of the draft concluded, Dodgers scouting director Billy Gasparino specifically made note of White’s late surge.
If White can sustain his increased velocity and continue to improve his command and secondary offerings, he has the chance to reach the majors in the rotation. Otherwise, his arm strength and solid cutter could land him in a bullpen role.
