As part of a series of roster moves, the Los Angeles Dodgers promoted prospect Zach McKinstry from the alternate site last week. He promptly made his MLB debut against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park, striking out in a ninth-inning pinch-hit appearance.
McKinstry received two additional at-bats off the bench before making his first career start in Sunday’s finale against the Colorado Rockies. It was a game to remember as he collected his first hit, double and run scored.
McKinstry has since been sent back to USC to make room for Joc Pederson, who was reinstated from the family medical emergency list.
Had McKinstry remained on the active roster, some felt that he could have potentially snuck onto the postseason roster with a big week at the plate. But Dodgers manager Dave Roberts explained why that was never a realistic possibility.
“I don’t know,” Roberts said of McKinstry’s chances of being included on the postseason roster. “I think he’s shown well here, obviously today, and what he does. We know the type of player he is. Right now, at this point in time, I don’t see that happening.
“But Zach has definitely shown really well.”
McKinstry most notably impressed during Spring Training and Summer Camp, which came on the heels of a breakout 2019 season in the Minors.
Between Double-A Tulsa and Triple-A Oklahoma City last season, McKinstry played six different positions while batting .300 with 24 doubles, 19 homers and 78 RBI.
He was selected to the Texas League All-Star Game, and finished the season with Oklahoma City, batting .382 with seven homers and 26 RBI in 26 games.
McKinstry thankful for advice from Mookie Betts, Justin Turner
Prior to making his MLB debut last week, McKinstry had spent just one previous day on the active roster. However, he has been around the club on many occasions this season due to his inclusion on the taxi squad.
McKinstry credited Mookie Betts and Justin Turner for showing him the ropes as he adjusts to the Major League lifestyle. “When I would come up on the taxi squad, Mookie Betts would talk to me a little bit about outfield,” McKinstry explained.
“Just take those things over there (to alternate site) and try to work on them. With at-bats, just trying to stay patient. “J.T. was talking to me after my at-bat and he was like, ‘Hey man, I struck out in my first at-bat too.’
“He was just telling me about his story, his first hit, his first start and all that stuff. It definitely helps having a veteran come pat you on the back and tell you everything is going to be all right, he was in the same spot as you one time and now he’s a 10-year big leaguer. That’s always great to have.”
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