The Los Angeles Dodgers have needed to tap into their organizational depth with plenty of frequency this season, and that has seen DJ Peters make his MLB debut.
There have been struggles, but Peters’ home run in the fifth inning on Thursday night was notable in that it marked the first of his big league career. “It didn’t really hit me until after the game,” the Glendale, California native said.
“To get it here at Dodger Stadium was surreal. In order to do it against the team in orange and black is that much better.”
Peters, who made his debut on April 23, has been up and down with the Dodgers this season, rejoining the team for a third time earlier this month. “I feel night and day,” Peters said of his comfort level compared to when he was first with the team.
“In my first stint, when we played the Padres, I was definitely excited. Went back down to the Minor Leagues, learned a lot, and am extremely grateful for that. Still getting some at-bats under my belt but feeling a lot more comfortable every day. Not only in the field but on the basepaths and in the box.”
Rather than be discouraged by his previous demotion to the Minors, Peters used it as an opportunity to learn and improve. “You’ve just got to stay within your plan and approach, do your homework and don’t miss the pitch that they throw you,” he said of his time in the Minors.
“Sometimes in the Minor Leagues you get one, two, three, sometimes four. Up here, you might get one. So when you get that one, you don’t want to miss it.”
Roberts sees a more comfort in Peters
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts agreed with Peters’ assessment of himself that he feels like a completely different player. “I think that DJ has been around our group for the last four years as far as Major League camps,” Roberts said.
“I think he’s a lot more comfortable in his own skin as a big league ballplayer. The defense has been very good for us and very consistent.
“I think just kind of slowing things down in the box has been really good, and he just has an understanding of what he needs to do to learn Major League pitching a little bit more. You don’t know until you know, so I think this has been a good runway for him.”
Peters’ latest time with the Dodgers came to an end for now as the team reinstated Cody Bellinger and Zach McKinstry from the 10-day injured list.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and more!
