Dodgers: Potential Impact of the First Wave of Call-ups

ALEX VERDUGO

Verdugo has been covered non-stop since the beginning of Spring Training and has not disappointed. He will finish his Triple-A season batting .314 with 27 doubles, 62 RBI and an OPS of .825 over 117 games.

It was only a matter of time before he got the call, but not many people thought it would come at such an interesting time in the Dodgers season. Despite being the best team in baseball in the win column, the recent five game losing streak sent Dodgers nation into a panic.

Dave Roberts is calling this a serious audition for the 21-year-old makes you think that despite how little impact that streak will have on the team’s record, they still feel like they have room to improve. Some will say that you don’t want to mess with a good thing, but at a certain point, you have to give your most talented prospects a chance when they have earned it.

The trade for Curtis Grandson before that was a curveball no one saw coming, and although it has been great for the Dodgers, it adds another layer of difficulty for Verdugo when it comes to cracking that postseason roster.

Overall, the Dodgers are getting an above average defender who has played every spot in the outfield and one of the best hitters in the minor leagues. He’s shown maturity putting up those numbers at the highest minor league level, against pitchers must more seasoned than himself. 2017 may not be the year for him, but 2018 and beyond will more than likely treat him well.