Michael Busch is now in his third Spring Training with the Los Angeles Dodgers and he has already received more at-bats than he did in the previous two combined.
Busch was added to the 40-man roster this past offseason to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft, and with the 2023 World Baseball Classic underway, Busch has received extra opportunities to prove himself.
One of the Dodgers’ top prospects has never had questions about his bat, but what is Busch’s best defensive position is a topic that is constantly debated, with most landing on designated hitter.
The results haven’t shown up yet offensively, but Busch is happy with how camp is going and feels he has made strides on his defense, via SportsNet LA:
“I feel like it’s going pretty well. Obviously, making a little adjustments at the plate, I’ve felt really good defensively in games and in practice, so happy about that.”
Busch is hitting .261 with one double, one home run and three RBI through 28 plate appearances. Like many players, Busch is using Spring Training to make adjustments while also learning from Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman:
“Feeling a little long and a little late. You want to come in and obviously perform, but I think there’s a little bit of the guys like Mookie and Freddie, they make it look so easy. Just come in out of bed and do what they do. Kind of trying to do that in a way. Trying to not focus too much on the mechanics, and get in there and compete, move a baserunner over, or drive a guy in. Some of those little things that help win baseball games.”
Busch is likely to start the season with Triple-A Oklahoma City, but he doesn’t have much left to prove there after hitting .266/.343/.480 with 21 home runs and 79 RBI there last season following a promotion from Double-A Tulsa.
Overall, Busch slashed .274/.365/.516 between the two levels while leading the Minors with 118 runs scored. He also ranked third with 70 extra-base hits, fifth with 108 RBI, and sixth with 32 home runs.
Michael Busch optioned
The Dodgers made a second round of Spring Training roster cuts this week, which saw Busch among those sent to Minor League camp.
Diego Cartaya, Jorbit Vivas and Eddys Leonard were optioned as well. Jonny DeLuca, Andy Pages, Matt Andriese, Bobby Miller and Jahmai Jones were additionally re-assigned.
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 stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
