The Los Angeles Dodgers extended their Minor League affiliation agreement with the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes through the 2018 season. The announcement came just over one week after the organization extended agreements with the Oklahoma City Dodgers, Tulsa Drillers and Great Lakes Loons.
The Dodgers’ partnership with the Quakes has been in place since 2011. “We are extremely happy to continue our partnership with the Quakes for two more years”, Dodgers director of player development Gabe Kapler said in a released statement.
“Grant, Brent, their staff, the city of Rancho Cucamonga and Quakes fans work together to create an atmosphere and environment that helps our players develop every day. We are confident that our affiliation will continue to produce outstanding Dodgers player for years to come.”
The Quakes last season won the California League championship for the first time since 1994. “The last six years have been great and we’re excited to continue our partnership with the Dodgers,” Quakes vice president/general manager Grant Riddle said.
“From the Exhibition Game to last year’s Cal League Championship Team, the partnership has left our fans with many great memories. Our fans love being able to enjoy watching the top talent in the Dodgers’ minor league system on their way to Los Angeles. And with so many rehabbing players that the Dodgers have sent to LoanMart Field over the last six years, it’s really been a treat for our fans.”
Rancho Cucamonga’s proximity to Dodger Stadium makes it an ideal affiliate for the club to use when players need to complete a rehab assignment. That’s often been the case this season, with Casey Fien the latest to join the Quakes, throwing one scoreless inning of relief with two strikeouts on Thursday.
The only Minor League affiliate that’s yet to have their agreement extended is Rookie-level Ogden Raptors. Like the other agreements that now run through 2018, the Raptors’ contract expires at the end of the 2016 season.
