Tim Rogers
The Dodgers played the Giants Sunday, March 21st, with some rookies in the lineup. The starting lineup had Sheldon Neuse at third base and Keibert Ruiz at catcher. The pitching prospects scheduled included Garrett Cleavinger and Jose Martinez.
A Quick Look At Jose Martinez
Jose Martinez is a pitcher I saw a bit in Single-A in 2019 and I liked what I saw. Between Low-A and High-A in 2019 he threw 126.1 innings, giving up only 110 hits. He struck out 115 and walked only 33. According to FanGraphs, he tops out at 97 MPH but I’m guessing that could go higher as his body continues to fill out. He throws a sinker and a changeup. He made his debut in the game and faced three batters. Jose struck out the first batter and got the third one to ground out. However, the second batter hit a wind-aided grand slam. Still, it was great to see him get an opportunity to pitch in a big-league game.
That Ruiz Kid
Keibert Ruiz did get the start in the game today and continues to impress. I do enjoy watching him play the catching position. Even more enjoyable was watching him go two for two with three RBI. In fact, each of those hits was coming from a different side of the plate. Overall, he is a robust four for four in the exhibition season. We shall see if he can force the issue for playing time this season with the Major League team.
Doc Is Impressed With Michael Busch
Dave Roberts on 2B prospect Michael Busch: “I like him. People talk about the bat but I like the baseball player. Plays the game the right way…” added that he’ll keep playing 2nd base this spring.
Busch played in the backfield "B" game today. #Dodgers
— Clint Pasillas (@realFRG) March 21, 2021
We have not heard too much from Michael Busch lately but it looks like Dodgers’ manager Dave Roberts is impressed. It makes sense to keep playing Busch at second base until he proves he cannot play it. I do believe he is a future left-fielder but honing in on versatility is part of what the Dodgers are trying to do. Hitting two home runs in the B game today sure did not hurt.
Michael Busch is stealing the spotlight in this B game. Home runs in first two at bats #Dodgers.
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) March 21, 2021
Here is a quick reminder of his beautiful swing.
Michael Busch leadoff 💣! #DodgersST pic.twitter.com/Ef2hDQv3pt
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) March 10, 2021
Estevez and McKinstry
Omar Estevez has started to heat up and even got into the game as a left-fielder. That is an excellent idea from the organization. Today he got another hit after a slow start. Zach McKinstry did Zach McKinstry things today with a solid single to the opposite field. He truly has shown that he is ready for the Major Leagues. He could get squeezed out though from the Opening Day roster if the Dodgers go with 14 pitchers.
Final Thoughts
The Dodgers play the Mariners at 6:40 PM PST tomorrow. (YES, on the night game!). Trevor Bauer gets the start as there are only five games left for the Dodgers in Arizona. We will be there for the last three games on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. To see live Dodger baseball will be amazing. Go Dodgers!
