The Los Angeles Dodgers played their third intrasquad game of Summer Camp on Wednesday night and with runs at a premium in a 1-0 result, Edwin Rios provided the big blast.
The Dodgers used the game to get a handful of their relief pitchers some work, and with Blake Treinen on the mound in the second inning, Rios drove a hanging breaking ball deep into the pavilion in right field.
Mookie Betts gave a courtesy turn and half step before watching the ball carry several rows up. The blast was reminiscent of the home run Rios hit at Petco Park last season, which at 473 feet, represented the longest hit by a Dodgers player in 2019.
Rios was among the nine rookies to play for the club last season, and one of eight who made his MLB debut. The Dodgers kept Rios on their taxi squad during the 2018 National League Division Series.
Absolute moon shot. pic.twitter.com/4lOn4KBSKi
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) July 9, 2020
The crack of the bat. 😍 pic.twitter.com/tKnSChd1h1
— MLB (@MLB) July 9, 2020
Although he was never activated, the 26-year-old drew praise from Dodgers manager Dave Roberts for performing well in limited opportunities. “The more I’m around him the more you really appreciate him as a person,” Roberts said late last season.
“His baseball hunger to learn, to work, he’s just a great young man. First baseman, third baseman, can play the corners in the outfield. He’s a nice, nice piece. My view of Edwin as a big league player — coming in off the bench and taking an at-bat is very difficult — and his at-bat quality off the bench has been really good.
“Even if it’s resulted in a strikeout, he’s seeing six or seven pitches and still getting good swings off. For him to be able to handle this role as a young player has been eye-opening for me.”
Roster spot for Edwin Rios in 2020?
With Rios part of the Dodgers’ player pool, he is eligible to be activated this season. Considering the NL adopted the designated hitter, it is not beyond reason that he potentially plays a key role for the team.
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