The Los Angeles Dodgers got their first look at Zach Lee this spring as the right-hander started in place of Brett Anderson on Sunday against the San Francisco Giants at Scottsdale Stadium.
Lee is among the handful of pitchers being evaluated to replace Anderson, who is expected to miss three to five months after undergoing arthroscopic back surgery for a bulging disk.
Entering Spring Training, Lee was an afterthought for many as his career to this point hasn’t been what’s expected from a first-round pick (No. 28 overall) in the 2010 draft.
Injuries, however, quickly elevated Lee from being part of the Dodgers’ pitching depth to perhaps a necessary commodity.
In two innings pitched on Sunday, Lee allowed just one hit and retired the last six batters faced. After his outing, Lee discussed the window of opportunity to slot into the Dodgers’ rotation, via Ken Gurnick of MLB.com:
“I felt last year I did a really good job establishing myself as a valuable option,” Lee said. “Hopefully I can contribute sooner rather than later. As long as I get a fair opportunity, I don’t know that I’d be frustrated. If I didn’t, I’d be frustrated. At the same time, it’s not my decision to make. The people at the top are doing what’s best for the organization.”
Lee was a mere 18 years old when the Dodgers signed him to a $5.25 million bonus so that he would not attend Louisiana State University with an eye on playing collegiate football. Lee recently said he hadn’t ruled out a return to football, though his preference remained to make an impact in the Majors.
In 19 starts with Triple-A Oklahoma City last season, Lee went 11-6 with a 2.70 ERA and 1.11 WHIP. He missed all of June due to poor circulation in the middle finger of his right hand. Dodgers director of player development Gabe Kapler praised the right-hander for significant improvement in his cutter and movement and accuracy.
