Dodgers pitching prospect's comeback story was even more ridiculous than you thought

The Dodgers' No. 29 pitching prospect Patrick Copen snuck onto this year's top 30 after a decent 2024 season between Single- and High-A. He pitched 92 2/3 innings for a 3.59 ERA across both levels after only throwing 4 1/3 in Rookie ball and Single-A the year before, right at the tail end of the season.

Copen may have gotten a few more innings under his belt in High-A last year, but his season ended after an Aug. 20 start that only lasted two innings. In the top of the third, he was hit by a line drive back to the mound — right in the eye. He was placed on the 7-day IL two days later, but was almost immediately transferred to the 60-day. The impact from the comebacker permanently cost him his vision in his right eye.

Despite this, he returned to High-A on time this year and was promoted to Double-A on June 3 after posting a 2.25 ERA with the Loons. He only has four starts in Tulsa so far, but he's rolling, with a 2.66 ERA over four starts, already averaging six strikeouts a game.

On Tuesday, he was the Drillers' starter in the affiliate's Prospect Showcase against the Frisco RoughRiders (Rangers affiliate), and he went five innings while only giving up one run.

Dodgers top pitching prospect Patrick Copen is defying the odds after losing sight in his right eye

The loss of vision in his right eye has affected Copen's depth perception and he loses sight of the hitter right before his release. However, a longstanding part of his mechanics, looking up after release, has helped him compensate.

Copen has a 70 grade fastball, better than than No. 1 Dodgers pitching prospect Jackson Ferris' at 60, and is a strikeout machine despite walking more batters than is ideal. His promotion to Double-A this season was a no-brainer, and he could very well earn another promotion by the end of this season.

Ben Weinrib of MLB Pipeline already projected that Copen will rise further up the Dodgers' top 30 list in their August rerank. It's already impressive that he's been able to pitch at all after an injury like that. Doing it this well is kind of a miracle.