The Los Angeles Dodgers dealt with a myriad of injuries during the 2021 season, which contributed to several prospects making their MLB debut. The group included Zach Reks, who was selected out of the University of Kentucky in the 10th round of the 2017 MLB Draft.
Reks earned his first big league call-up on June 21 and started for the Dodgers in left field that night against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. He went 0-for-2 with a strikeout.
Reks was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City the following day as the corresponding move to Max Muncy being activated off the 10-day injured list.
Reks had three additional stints with the Dodgers, but did not find success during any of those as he went hitless and struck out seven times in 10 at-bats over six games.
Despite struggling in his limited Major League opportunities, Reks found plenty of success with the Dodgers’ top affiliate. He hit an overall .280/.382/.539 with 24 doubles, 19 home runs and 67 RBI in 379 plate appearances across 87 games for Oklahoma City.
Reks’ 2021 highlight
At the time of getting recalled in June, Reks ranked in the top four of the Triple-A West in doubles (14), runs scored (32) and on-base percentage (.445). He batted .310/.402/.577 with 10 doubles, three home runs and nine RBI in 19 games for Oklahoma City that month.
2022 outlook
On Nov. 20, the Dodgers designated Reks and Billy McKinney for assignment to create room for Jacob Amaya, Michael Grove, Eddys Leonard, James Outman and Jorbit Vivas on their 40-man roster.
L.A. did such to protect against the aforementioned Minor Leaguers from potentially being selected in the 2021 Rule 5 Draft, which could be held as soon as a new collective bargaining agreement is in place.
Three days later, Reks and McKinney were traded to the Texas Rangers for cash considerations. Shortly after the deal was announced, Reks took to Instagram to thank the Dodgers for giving him his first big league opportunity and expressed excitement about beginning a new chapter with Texas.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
