Dodgers: 3 prospects who could be called up Sept. 1

2. Zach McKinstry

The Dodgers have treated Zach McKinstry like a yo-yo in recent weeks, and pending an injury, you can expect him to spend another several days touring Oklahoma City.

Initially thought to be a major part of the infield/outfield rotation, McKinstry’s oblique failed him early in the season just as Chris Taylor and AJ Pollock reemerged as not only solid pieces but stars. Meanwhile, the year of McKinstry and Gavin Lux has turned into … well, not that, even as Mookie Betts, Corey Seager and Cody Bellinger went down. So many things conspired in their favor, and yet … nothing lined up.

Though McKinstry hasn’t starred, hitting seven home runs with a .672 OPS in 157 at-bats, he’s outplayed the other 40-man options Los Angeles tried to utilize as bench pieces this season. DJ Peters has wound up in Texas, starting in center for the struggling Rangers. Luke Raley and Zach Reks have been largely forgotten. McKinstry is the most likely Triple-A Dodger to provide relief in the coming weeks if more injury issues crop up.

Rest assured, his time in the minor-league ranks is only temporary, even though his star hasn’t shined quite as brightly as expected this season.