Dodgers 2014 Player Review: Yimi Garcia
The right-hander struggled in his first season in rookie ball, posting a 7.04 ERA in 13 games with the Arizona League Dodgers. The next season, Garcia moved up to Ogden and it’s been smooth sailing ever since.
Over the past four seasons, Garcia hasn’t posted an ERA above 3.10 and moved up at least one level every year. In 310.2 Minor-League innings, he’s racked up 45 saves along with 380 strikeouts.
This past season, Garcia spent the majority of the year with Triple-A Albuquerque, picked up five saves and finished with a 3.10 ERA. That earned him a September promotion to the Majors, where he debuted on the first of the month and wound up allowing just one run in eight appearances.
2014 Highlight
While Garcia pitched well in his debut, his best outing of the season came on its final day as he pitched the sixth inning against the Colorado Rockies and struck out the side. Garcia ended the year with nine strikeouts in 10 innings, and just one walk.
2015 Outlook
As was the case in 2014, next season will see the Dodgers with plenty of options in the bullpen. However, with some changes sure to come, Garcia gives the Dodgers one of their best in-house options to replace any of the veteran relievers who struggled this past season.
If he doesn’t break camp with the big club, Garcia will return to Triple-A with the club’s new affiliate in Oklahoma City.
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