Los Angeles Dodgers Minor League pitcher Tim Shibuya of the Double-A Tulsa Drillers was named the Texas League Pitcher of the Week for games played July 3-9.
The right-hander had one of his best career starts on July 3, taking a no-hitter into the ninth inning. After collecting two outs and getting to a 1-2 count, Shibuya allowed his only single of the night.
He then induced the final out and settled for a complete-game shutout over the Midland Rockhounds (Oakland Athletics affiliate). Shibuya issued one walk and struck out six batters, while throwing a total of 111 pitches.
Following the nearly-historic outing, he once again faced the Rockhounds, though at home. Shibuya turned in six scoreless innings, allowed seven hits and earned his third victory of the season.
Shibuya was selected by the Minnesota Twins in the 23rd round of the 2011 MLB Draft. The Dodgers signed him in April 2016, and he was assigned to Triple-A Oklahoma City. Shibuya allowed three runs on four hits in three innings as a reliever, and was sent to the Drillers.
He went on to appear in 18 games for the Drillers, making 14 starts, and finishing the 2016 season 1-6 with a 3.61 ERA. This year, the 27-year-old is 3-0 with a 1.30 ERA in 10 games (five starts) with the Drillers.
Shibuya had an abysmal outing with Oklahoma City on May 5, as he allowed 13 runs on 14 hits in just 2.2 innings. That was met by a quick return to Tulsa.
In addition to Shibuya, three other Drillers have been recognized by the Texas League this season. Edwin Rios earned Player of the Week honors in early April, Kyle Farmer was honored in mid April and Jose Miguel Fernandez was the latest honoree in June.
