Los Angeles Dodgers top positional prospect Alex Verdugo entered the 2018 season looking to replicate the success he enjoyed during his previous campaign with Triple-A Oklahoma City, where he posted excellent statistics across the board on both sides of the ball.
At the end of April, Verdugo was called up to the Dodgers for a brief stint that saw him appear in nine games. That was in part to Yasiel Puig being placed on the disabled list, as the club’s outfield depth took a hit.
But Puig has since returned to reclaim his starting job in right field, leaving Verdugo without consistent playing time on the Major League club. That enabled the Dodgers to option the 22-year-old back to Oklahoma City, as an effort to receive regular at-bats.
On Monday, Verdugo accounted for a pair of impressive web gems in center field during the third inning against Triple-A Colorado Springs. He recorded the first out of the frame with a spectacular diving catch to rob Christian Bethancourt of an extra-base hit.
Later in the inning, with a pair of runners on base, Verdugo recorded another putout with a sliding catch for the second out. He then fired the ball to second baseman Donovan Solano, who stepped on the bag to double off Brett Phillips for an inning-ending double play.
Verdugo continues to not only impress at the plate, but with his glove and arm as well. During his brief call-up with the Dodgers this season, he was deployed as a late-game defensive replacement for exactly one-third of his appearances.
While Verdugo continues to work on his craft in the Minors, it’s conceivable that he’ll once again return to the Majors this season. In 94 plate appearances (22 games) for Triple-A Oklahoma City, Verdugo is hitting .287/.330/.471 with four doubles, four home runs and 15 RBI.
