Dodgers 2016 Player Previews: Josh Ravin

Continuing on in our series of player previews, today is all about Josh Ravin.

Many of you might not be familiar with Josh Ravin. Ravin was drafted in the fifth round of the 2006 draft by the Cincinnati Reds. Since then he has been battling his way to the majors and putting in hard work day in and day out in the minors for ten years now. About a month ago I wrote an article on Ravin and his journey to the majors which you can find here.

2015 Recap

Ravin appeared in 22 games for the AAA Oklahoma City Dodgers. In those 22 games, he posted an ERA of 3.86 and a record of 3-1. In 28.0 innings pitched, he struckout 38 batters. June 2, 2015 was the day that Ravin had long awaited for the past nine years, he finally got the call to join the Dodgers. He made his major league debut the same evening against the Colorado Rockies and struck out D.J. LeMahieu. He even picked up the win. Not too bad for his first outing with a major league club. He appeared in a total of nine games for the Dodgers during the 2015 season and allowed seven runs in 9 1/3 innings. Not the best numbers Josh has put up in his life, but it is not an easy transition from AAA to the big leagues. Either way, in 2015 Ravin saw his nine years of hard work finally come to fruition and his dream was realized.

2016 Role and Steamers Projections

Unfortunately Ravin is already on the road to recovery after suffering a brake to his left forearm in a vehicle accident earlier this spring in Arizona. His role is unclear at the moment with the team. It is projected that he will need eight to twelve weeks in order to make a complete recovery. The only plus is that his injury is not on his throwing arm.

Steamers projects that in 2016 Ravin will pitch ten innings and post an ERA of 3.46. Again because Ravin does not have much experience in the majors the Steamers project a small number of innings pitched. My personal opinion, is if Ravin can make a healthy and quick recovery, he has the possibility be an essential part of the Dodgers bullpen.

What Could Go Wrong

Poor Josh, I do not think much else could go wrong for him at this point. I mean think about it, you finally get your chance at the end of last season to make the big league team, only to arrive at spring training ready to fight for your spot in 2016 and end up with strep throat and get injured within the first two weeks. Ravin arrived to camp ready to put in the work, but shortly after got strep throat and the flu which caused him to lose 15 pounds and sidelined him for a few practices. After finally getting healthy again, Ravin began working out with the team. Just a few days later he was involved in a multi-car crash and broke his left forearm. The following day he had surgery and is excepted to be fully recovered in eight to twelve weeks.

If anyone is interested in seeing his arm, head over to his Twitter. Personally, I could not handle seeing the photo again in order to add it to the article, so you have been warned.

Next: Adam Liberatore Season Preview

What Could Go Right

Okay, so I may be a little optimistic, but how can you not root for a guy who has worked so hard in the minors in order to make his dream a reality? If Ravin can make a full recovery I still think he has potential to make it to the Dodgers bullpen, the road to get there just might be a little longer, but Ravin clearly has the perseverance to make it there.

Ravin’s average fastball has been clocked at 97.1 MPH which was 15th among all pitchers in 2015. He throws hard and if he can get healthy I think he can make the team. Having a guy in the ‘pen who can throw that fast is always a plus.

Josh continues to be his positive and optimistic self, not letting this bad luck to get to him and it is not going unnoticed.

With his positive outlook, work ethic and sheer determination, I have no doubt Ravin will make a full recovery, possibly even before what the doctors are estimating. A guy like Ravin does not let challenges get in the way of his dreams. At Dodgers Way we are all wishing him a speedy recovery and look forward to his shot at making the ‘pen when that happens.