Mitch White made one start for Triple-A Oklahoma City after getting optioned by the Los Angeles Dodgers when Craig Kimbrel returned from paternity leave on June 10, and it was enough to earn him Pacific Coast League Pitcher of the Week honors for June 6-12.
White’s outing came Sunday in an 8-3 win for the Oklahoma City Dodgers over the Salt Lake Bees (Los Angeles Angels affiliate). The right-hander threw 5.2 scoreless innings without allowing a hit, and had six strikeouts against two walks to earn the win.
Other OKC Dodgers to earn weekly PCL honors this season include Zach McKinstry, Ryan Pepiot and Yefry Ramírez. Each of the three have spent time up with the Dodgers as well, but Ramírez recently left the organization for an opportunity in the KBO League.
White was included on the Dodgers’ Opening Day roster and had been with the club the entire season thus far before getting optioned last week. He missed just over two weeks while on the COVID-19 injured list.
The 27-year-old has made nine appearances (four starts) with for Dodgers this season, going 1-1 with a 3.86 ERA and 1.05 WHIP.
Over parts of three seasons with L.A., the right-hander is 3-4 with a 3.58 ERA, 3.76 FIP and 1.11 WHIP in 32 games (eight starts). Much of White’s value has come with being able to fill a swing role and make spot starts in the event of injuries or the Dodgers wanting to provide their pitchers with extra rest.
White credits Dodgers coaches
After a second consecutive start for the Dodgers, White credited the pitching coaches for his continued development and finding a rhythm while being with the team.
“I mean, in terms of all the stuff I’ve been working on with Mark (Prior) and Connor (McGuiness), our pitching coaches, everything kind of came together better,” he said. “Obviously it wasn’t perfect, but we’re getting there.”
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