Sometimes life isn’t fair. The Arizona League Dodgers finished their season with a record of 33-22, the best in the league. However, due to Minor League playoff rules, AZL Dodgers did not make the postseason because they didn’t finish in first place during the first or second half of the season.
But it was still a positive year that featured some outstanding talents making their professional debuts. Perhaps the most anticipated debut was that of Yadier Alvarez, the Cuban right-hander who the Dodgers gave $16 million to last July.
And he didn’t disappoint. While Alvarez only worked 20 innings over five starts, he showed explosive stuff and overwhelmed rookie level hitters, striking out 26 in 20 innings with a paltry 1.80 ERA.
Another long-awaited debut came from Walker Buehler, the Dodgers’ first-round pick from 2015, who was coming off Tommy John surgery. He pitched just one game, but left a lasting impression by striking out three in two innings.
He touched the high 90s before moving up to join Alvarez in Low-A Great Lakes. Alvarez started Game 4 for the Loons, who won their first Midwest League championship.
Many of this year’s draft picks also debuted in the AZL. First-rounder Gavin Lux, compensatory pick Jordan Sheffield, second-rounder Mitchell White, third-rounder Dustin May and fifth-rounder Devin Smeltzer all broke into the pros in Arizona.
Later-round picks such as Luke Raley (seventh round), Andre Scrubb (eighth), AJ Alexy (11th), Cody Thomas (13th) and Kevin Malisheski (38th) appeared in games with the Arizona League Dodgers as well.
Leaders on offense included Thomas, Raley and Keibert Ruiz, who played in only 20 games altogether but combined for an OPS of 1.452. Carlos Rincon, who started the year in the Dominican Summer League, continued his power surge in the states by clubbing seven home runs in 26 games.
2016 review of Dominican Summer League Dodgers
On the mound, Logan Crouse led the team with 52.2 innings, sporting a 4.78 ERA. International signee Oscar Arzaga contributed 38.1 innings and posted a 2.58 ERA.
Osiris Ramirez led the team with five saves, while converted shortstop Jose Santos recorded three saves in five games, going 5.2 innings and striking out 10 batters.
While the AZL team probably won’t feature as many big names next season, many of the young players coming over from the Dominican Summer League will likely debut with this club.
Some names to watch for include Starling Heredia, Ronny Brito and Oneil Cruz. The 2017 season should be another exciting one for the Dodgers’ Rookie-level affiliate.
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