The Los Angeles Dodgers recalled Luke Raley from Triple-A Oklahoma City earlier this week as the corresponding move to placing Cody Bellinger on the 10-day injured list due to a left rib fracture.
It marked Raley’s first time back in the Majors since the end of July, and he promptly went on to start in right field in the Dodgers’ first two games against the Colorado Rockies.
Raley has taken advantage of his opportunities thus far, collecting two hits in seven at-bats. He made his biggest impact in Wednesday’s middle matchup by belting a two-run homer to give L.A. a 3-0 lead.
“I didn’t get the job done my first at-bat and I wanted to make sure I got the job done my second at-bat,” he said after the Dodgers’ 10-5 loss to the Rockies. “Got a good pitch to hit and I didn’t miss it.”
Raley’s home run was only the second of his big league career, but it arguably was more special than his first as his mother got to witness it in person. “This is the first time she’s gotten to see me playing in the big leagues, so it’s really awesome I was able to do that in front of her,” he said.
Getting to play for the Dodgers in the middle of a division race was far from expected, but Raley has enjoyed everything about it. “It’s an awesome experience, I’m glad to be a part of it and I want to help the Dodgers win baseball games,” he said. “That’s my ultimate goal.”
As Raley wraps up his first Major League season, he has learned to look past the struggles and keep a positive mindset. “I ultimately learned to keep going,” Raley said.
“I’ve had my struggles up here, gone down to Triple-A and been successful, then back up here and struggled. I need to stay positive and realize I can play at this level.”
Roberts happy Raley got to play in front of family
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was thrilled for Raley after getting to play in front of his family at Coors Field. “It was great,” Roberts said. “I got word his mom was in town and it was the first chance she got to see him play as big league ballplayer.
“So for him to contribute like he did was huge. It’s something he’ll always remember and his family will always remember. It just speaks to the depth we have in our organization.”
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