Dodgers Prospect Abdullah Opts For Early Retirement

Dodgers pitching prospect Imani Abdullah announced his retirement on Wednesday. At just 21-years-old, Abdullah ranked as the 18th best prospect in the organization.

ROSTER MOVES: RHP Isaac Anderson has been transferred to Double-A Tulsa of the Texas League. RHP Yeison Cespedes has been transferred to Rancho from Short-Season-A Ogden of the Pioneer League. RHP Imani Abdullah has been activated from the DL and placed on the retirement list.

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— Rancho Cucamonga Quakes (@RCQuakes) July 11, 2018

Imani Abdullah

Pitching for Single-A Rancho Cucamonga, the right-handed pitcher threw just eight innings all year, posting a 12.38 ERA. Abdullah had been on the disabled-list since March 3, and some speculated that he was dealing with the yips.

The Dodgers drafted Abdullah in the 11th round of the 2015 Draft. The San Diego native was committed to SDSU before signing with the Dodgers.

Between 2015-18, Abdullah posted a 5-8 record with a 4.60 ERA. He has not made any public statements since announcing his retirement.

Analysis

Abdullah’s retirement comes as a surprise given the timing and his pitching potential. This is not the first time that a high-profiled prospect retired pitching in the Major Leagues. Back in February, Philadelphia Phillies prospect Mark Appel retired just five years after being the first pick in the 2013 draft.