Michael Busch, one of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ top prospects, got a brief taste of the Major League level when he was promoted from Triple-A Oklahoma City as the corresponding roster move to Max Muncy going on the paternity list.
Busch stayed on the Dodgers roster longer than anticipated, from April 25 through May 11, before he was optioned to make room for J.D. Martinez to be activated off the 10-day injured list.
Busch appeared in seven games (five starts) and went 4-for-19 with two RBI and four walks, which included a go-ahead RBI single in the 10th inning against the San Diego Padres.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts believes Busch’s time at the Major League level was a valuable experience for the left-handed hitting infielder.
“Michael had a good showing,” Roberts said. “He’s going to play some third base, some second base, some first base. Really proud of the way he handled that big spot.
“Every young player wants to play, but the message was he took full advantage of watching Major League players and how the game is supposed to be played; the intensity, the focus.
“I expect him to take that with him and join us again at some other point in the season.”
Busch’s defense remains a work in progress, but during his time with the Dodgers, he played three games at third base despite only logging 80 career innings at the hot corner beforehand.
Busch was also able to watch Nolan Arenado play from a front-row seat in the Dodgers’ dugout, and Roberts instructed the 25-year-old to study and appreciate the way the 10-time Gold Glover fields his position.
While the Dodgers don’t currently have a spot for Busch on their roster, he should prove valuable at some point during the 2023 season, whether that comes as an additional bat for the lineup, or possibly as a trade chip at the deadline.
Michael Busch was excited to contribute against Padres
After Mookie Betts tied the game with a solo home run off Padres closer Josh Hader with two outs in the top of the ninth inning, Busch gave the Dodgers a lead in the 10th.
The two-out single drove in Freddie Freeman from third base and ultimately gave Busch his first game-winning hit at the Major League level.
Following the Dodgers’ 5-2 win, Busch shared his excitement over contributing in such a key spot.
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