Notes: Dodgers’ top pitching prospects continue displaying their worthiness
by Rowan Kavner
As one recent top Dodger pitching prospect continues ramping up for the season following one of the all-time great rookie pitching seasons, the club’s newest top pitching prospect continues demonstrating he might be ready to face the best hitters in the world soon, too.
Dustin May struck out three batters and allowed one hit in three scoreless innings in the second game of a split-squad doubleheader Thursday night.
The Dodgers’ top pitching prospect and №3 prospect overall has now thrown six scoreless innings this spring, allowing three hits with five strikeouts and two walks. His numbers are near-identical to the Dodgers’ second-ranked pitching prospect, Tony Gonsolin, who’s also thrown six scoreless innings with five strikeouts this spring, allowing no walks and four hits.
Manager Dave Roberts told reporters before May’s appearance Thursday night that he believes both May and Gonsolin are ready this year, should the club need them. He said while May may not be a finished product just yet, it wouldn’t surprise him if May helped at some point this year.
Roberts complimented May’s ability to know exactly what he’s trying to do against big league hitters, even at just 21 years old.
“Dustin, I’ve seen composure, confidence and pitchability and really good stuff,” Roberts said. “Just kind of the balance of having confidence, but the openness to want to learn and keep his eyes open around big league ballplayers.”
Both May and Gonsolin came from the Dodgers’ 2016 draft class, with May going to the Dodgers in the third round and Gonsolin arriving in the ninth. Both pitchers continue to thrive in Cactus League play, despite neither having pitched above the Double-A level yet.
On Thursday night, all the Dodger pitchers held the Padres off the board in a 12–0 rout. Kenta Maeda struck out six in four scoreless innings and even added a double at the plate. Maeda, May, JT Chargois and Stetson Allie combined to allow just three hits total, while the Dodgers had eight extra-base hits in the first four innings alone.
Austin Barnes and Brad Miller both hit their first home runs of the spring in the win, while Bellinger launched his third. Bellinger, Barnes, Miller and Joc Pederson each finished with multi-RBI games.
The victory followed a 3–3 tie in the Dodgers’ first game of the split-squad doubleheader against the Reds and former Dodger Yasiel Puig.
Kershaw throws bullpen
Both Clayton Kershaw and Walker Buehler continue progressing positively from their early-spring setbacks.
Kershaw (shoulder) reportedly went all out Thursday during a bullpen session and was in good spirits afterward. The next step is another bullpen session utilizing his curveballs.
Camelback Quick Hits
- Roberts said he’s proud of the way top prospect Alex Verdugo has handled himself this spring, and while nothing has been set, right now it looks like he’ll be on the Opening Day roster. “Whatever role we have for him, he’ll be ready when called upon,” Roberts said.
- Roberts said he sees Kiké Hernández playing more this year than last year. That’s been a trend for Hernández, who’s increased his plate appearances every year he’s been with the Dodgers, recording a career-high 462 last year. He’s had a standout spring at the plate, slashing .371/.395/.714 with three home runs.
- Corey Seager (hip/elbow) played three innings in the field in a minor league game.
- Max Muncy was a late scratch in the early game Thursday with right forearm/wrist stiffness and is day-to-day.
- Tony Cingrani (shoulder) has been shut down, as first reported by MLB.com’s Ken Gurnick.
