For all 30 MLB teams including the Los Angeles Dodgers, Spring Training is more than just a regular season tuneup for established veterans — it is also an opportunity for up-and-coming prospects to showcase their talent in front of the big league coaching staff.
One player in particular that has stood out for Los Angeles is outfielder D.J. Peters. He continued to turn heads with his tremendous power display.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has been impressed with the 23-year-old and believes he progressed the most of any Minor League player in camp, per Mike DiGiovanna of the L.A. Times:
“If I’ve seen one minor league player who has grown the most in the offseason, it’s DJ Peters,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said this week. “When talking about a swing change, a mechanical cleanup, he’s as sound as he’s ever been. Now you have to let it play into a season and see where it takes him.”
In 23 Cactus League games, Peters hit a lowly .174/.167/.522 with one triple, two home runs and three RBI. He has struck out on six occasions and despite lacking hits to show for it, put the ball in play more often than not.
Peters entered Spring Training with a focus on having quality at-bats and absorbing as much knowledge as possible.
After striking out 192 times in 559 plate appearances during the 2018 season, Peters has made it a priority of his to cut back on that number this year.
