While the Los Angeles Dodgers have called on multiple pitchers from Triple-A Oklahoma City this season, Jose De Leon has not been among them. The right-hander entered 2016 widely regarded as one of the organization’s top pitching prospects.
At times overshadowed by Julio Urias, De Leon has often found himself in the spotlight with the Oklahoma City Dodgers in the time since Urias made his Major League debut. However, the 2016 season hasn’t been all smooth sailing for De Leon.
He remained in extended Spring Training as a means to manage workload and to recover from a nagging ankle injury. The 24-year-old also spent time on the disabled list with a right shoulder issue.
De Leon came out firing Wednesday night against Triple-A Albuquerque (Colorado Rockies affiliate). He finished with 10 strikeouts and allowed two runs over seven innings.
The right-hander’s performance began in impressive fashion, with De Leon throwing nine pitches, all strikes, for an “immaculate inning” in the first:
Corey Brown hit a walk-off, two-run home run in the ninth to lift Oklahoma City to a 3-2 victory. De Leon improved to 5-1 with a 3.64 ERA and 1.06 WHIP in 14 starts.
This season is his first at the Triple-A level. De Leon has completed at least seven innings in five of his eight six starts, and overall has three 10-strikeout games.
