The 2016 Los Angeles Dodgers draft class has been touted as one of the more successful years in franchise history, with 12 players now having made their MLB debut. DJ Peters became the latest to do so after being recalled as the corresponding move to Zach McKinstry landing on the 10-day injured list.
Peters was the Dodgers’ fourth-round pick in the 2016 Draft and he joined the likes of Gavin Lux, Will Smith, Jordan Sheffield, Mitch White, Dustin May, Devin Smeltzer, Luke Raley, Andre Scrubb, Tony Gonsolin, Dean Kremer and McKinstry to already reach the Majors.
Peters’ pinch-hit appearance in the ninth inning of Friday’s loss to the San Diego Padres lasted all of one pitch, but it was memorable nonetheless. The Glendora, California, native embraced his wife, parents, family and friends after the game.
“I’ve been working my entire life for that one moment,” Peters said. “To put on Dodgers across my chest has been a lifelong dream of mine. And to be able to do it at Dodger Stadium is surreal. You couldn’t have written it any better. Just very grateful, very blessed. Trying to soak it all in.
“It’s definitely something I will never forget. Being a 7-year-old kid in the stands wishing, hoping one day to be able to walk from the on-deck circle to the box and get an at-bat at Dodger Stadium. Like I said, something I’ll cherish for the rest of my life.”
Peters joined a Dodgers team that has lost four of their past five games and is mired in an offensive drought that has not been seen in franchise history since the 1909 Brooklyn Superbas.
“I just want to come in here, do my job, feel relaxed, feel confident, feel like I belong here,” Peters said. “Whenever I’m given an opportunity, just make the most of it. Whether that’s sac fly or base hit, or just to be there and talk with the guys. Just want to make the most of my opportunities here.”
Roberts expected Peters to join Dodgers
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said during Spring Training he anticipated Peters making his MLB debut this season and praised him for making strides over the winter. “I think on the defensive side he is there,” Roberts began when asked what Peters needed to accomplish in order to reach the Majors.
“The way he works, the way he can play all three, he’s a really good defender. With the bat, there’s been the consistency of at-bat quality. For me, this is as good of at-bat quality as I’ve seen from him. So now it’s about continuing to do that and then getting the opportunity. I think this year, whether it’s early or whenever it is, I think this will be the year DJ gets to be a big leaguer and get some service time. He’s worked really hard.”
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