The Los Angeles Dodgers closed out their exhibition schedule by hosting the L.A. Angels for some Freeway Series action on Tuesday night, earning a 6-4 victory to finish Summer Camp undefeated.
The Angels got the scoring started with a solo home run off the bat of Tommy La Stella in the top of the second off Dodgers top pitching prospect Josiah Gray. He later allowed another run before being removed with two outs in the fourth inning.
Gray got some help from his offense as the Dodgers quickly answered in the bottom half of the second when Kiké Hernandez drove a two-run double into the left-center field gap.
Hernandez has been swinging as hot of a bat as anyone in Summer Camp, and with Gavin Lux being optioned earlier in the day, he has a chance to see significant time at second base to start the season.
The other candidate to make starts there is Chris Taylor, and he has also been locked in at the plate. After hitting a three-run home run in Monday night’s win over the Arizona Diamondbacks, Tayor followed it up by going 1-for-3 with a walk against the Angels.
His hit happened to be another towering three-run home run to left field.
Liftoff. 🚀 pic.twitter.com/rnu82ijxqH
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) July 22, 2020
It was a great overall night for Dodgers utility players, as one of their top prospects, Zach McKinstry, also left the ballpark by hitting an opposite-field shot in the eighth inning.
McKinstry dinger! 💥 pic.twitter.com/ZNFfwBLGJw
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) July 22, 2020
McKinstry wasn’t expected to make a big impact at the Major League level in 2020, although he has impressed in both Spring Training and Summer Camp, so he is now on the organization’s radar.
McKinstry one injury away from making MLB roster
With Lux not making the Dodgers’ Opening Day roster, manager Dave Roberts was asked if McKinstry has a chance, and he was very candid in his answer.
“Zach has the skillset, the mindset to be a big league ballplayer right now. As they say, he’s an injury away. He’s right there,” Roberts said.
Having a player that can swing the bat at McKinstry’s level while also playing anywhere on the diamond is a huge luxury for the Dodgers, especially in this shortened 2020 season with all the uncertainty that remains.
Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events and more!
