The Los Angeles Dodgers have benefitted from an infuse of talent from the Minor League ranks over recent seasons, with both heralded prospects and under-the-radar players making contributions. Included in that is Alex Verdugo, who made his MLB debut last season.
Verdugo was promoted from Triple-A Oklahoma City once active rosters expanded in September. He appeared in 17 games and showed some flashes of what earned him the standing as one of the organization’s top positional prospects.
However, Verdugo also displayed his youth and inexperience when he overslept and arrived late for a game in San Diego. It led to a reprimand from veteran Rich Hill, which Dodgers manager Dave Roberts supported.
Time in the Majors, albeit in a short stint, served the 22-year-old outfielder well. Verdugo called it a learning lesson, and he drew praise from Roberts during Spring Training for his maturation.
Following Friday’s game against the Atlanta Braves, Roberts had more positive remarks about Verdugo, via Ken Gurnick of MLB.com:
“No matter what decision we make, it won’t be performance-based. Alex has performed really well at the Triple-A level. He’s a Major League player. But the way we’re playing, with our depth, certain guys are the odd man out at times. I can’t say enough about him.”
With Yasiel Puig expected to come off the 10-day disabled list Saturday, the Dodgers will likely option Verdugo back to Oklahoma City. He’s 5-for-16 with four runs scored, one double, one home run, two RBI and three walks in five games (four starts) in his latest stint with the club.
Verdugo has recorded at least one hit in each of the past three games.
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