Although Los Angeles Dodgers pitching prospects Bobby Miller, Nick Nastrini, Ryan Pepiot and Gavin Stone draw plenty of headlines, it was Michael Grove who appeared to be the most ready for an opportunity at the Major League level last season.
Grove avoided some of the control issues that plagued Pepiot during his MLB debut campaign in 2022, as both right-handers received opportunities to make semi-regular starts for the Dodgers.
Now Grove is looking to further cement himself among the organization’s top pitching depth, and has impressed in three Spring Training starts thus far.
Grove got through two perfect innings and dialed up his fastball velocity to 97 mph against the Arizona Diamondbacks and followed that up with three scoreless frames his last time out.
“I thought Grove was really good. I thought Michael was great,” manager Dave Roberts said after the Dodgers tied with the Diamondbacks.
When asked if Grove is viewed within the organization as the same regard as Miller, Pepiot and Stone, Roberts answered, “Absolutely.”
“Michael did a nice job, given the circumstances, last year. But you see the uptick in velocity and he’s holding it, it’s a plus-plus curveball, the changeup is good, there’s a slider in there,” Roberts added.
“The more you see him, the more you like. He makes pitches when he needs to, he’s a great competitor and he’s worked hard to clean the delivery up and consistency of throw.”
Michael Grove development
Roberts anticipates last year’s MLB debut serving as a springboard for Grove, like with other young players who had the same chance to join the Dodgers.
“Just getting a little experience and familiarity with the unknown, kind of checking those boxes should allow for a step forward in growth,” Roberts noted.
“I definitely think that we feel those guys are all in the same bucket.”
With Tony Gonsolin’s status for Opening Day in question, Grove and Pepiot are the top candidates to fill his spot in the starting rotation.
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