Editorials

Down On The Farm: Dodgers Minor League Week In Review, July 19-26

It’s that time in the baseball season where prospects are being talked about more and more. The trade deadline is less than a week away and in September, rosters will be expanded to 40. So what Dodger prospects will be given a considerable look to join the roster and possibly make a name for themselves late this year or next?

Here’s a look at what is going on this week in the Dodger’s minor league affiliates.



AAA Albuquerque Isotopes- The Isotopes are sitting atop of the Pacific Coast League American Southern. Most of the Isotopes offense have players that have played on the Dodgers big league roster or in the big leagues for other teams.

-Offense

  • Scott Van Slyke: Van Slyke has had a very solid year mostly in Triple-A. He’s hit .355 with nine home runs and 31 RBIS. Recently, Van Slyke rejoined the Isotopes on July 23 after a brief stint with the big league club. This week he went 1-11 with just one run, but he’ll likely join the big league club again when the 40 man roster hits.
  • Dee Gordon: Gordon has  spent the better part of this year trying to further develop his game in Triple-A. Thus far he’s hit .311 with 52 runs scored, 25 RBIs and 38 stolen bases. This week Gordon batted .419 with 13 hits and three runs. We may very well see Gordon on the big league squad come 40 man roster time to spell Hanley Ramirez and as a pinch runner in certain situations.

-Pitching

  • Jonathan Sanchez: Sanchez pitched Tuesday and  went six innings allowing only one run on three hits with 10 strikeouts. Sanchez could be someone to keep an eye on as the Dodgers think about solidifying their rotation at the end of the year or he could be an option out of the bullpen. 
  • Stephen Fife: Fife pitched a day before Sanchez on Monday. He went four innings allowing two earned runs on four hits with six strikeouts. Fife has been struggling with injuries this season and when healthy, likely slots into the fifth spot in the Dodgers rotation.

AA Chattanooga Lookouts- The Lookouts are struggling to find their stride as they are in last place of the Southern League North. The Lookouts seem to be where the Dodgers are stashing their prospects in hopes of developing them to make a push to join the major league squad next year, if possible.

-Offense

  • Joc Pederson: The outfielder has been the brightest offensive player for the Lookouts. He’s hit .285 so far this season with 15 home runs, 41 RBI’s and 62 runs scored. This week Pederson struggled at first, but closed out the week strong hitting .200 with five hits, one home run, two runs scored and two RBI’s. Pederson starred for the Dodgers in the Futures Game and looked solid, but as the trade deadline apporaches, his name will surface as someone the Dodgers could trade for major league ready talent. 

-Pitching

  • Chris Reed: The lefty from Stanford has been very effective for the Lookouts this season although his record may say otherwise as he’s 3-7 with a 3.38 ERA. However, this week was another solid week for him. In his two starts, he combined to pitch six innings allowing five earned runs on eight hits while striking out seven batters. 
  • Zach Lee: Lee is arguably the Dodgers highest rated pitching prospect, which has resulted in his name coming up in certain trade talks.  Fortunately for the Dodgers they managed to hold on to him and he hasn’t disappointed. This season for the Lookouts Lee is 7-7 with a 3.33 ERA. However this week Lee was roughed up a little in his two starts. Lee pitched nine innings allowing six earned runs while striking out 10 batters.

A Great Lakes Loons- We’ll be calling this part “Urias Watch” as the Dodgers are very high on left handed pitcher Julio Urias, who they signed from Mexico. It’s been reported that the 16-year-old could be major league ready by the time he’s 18.

  • Julio Urias: The lefty has started 11 games this season and has done really well. He’s 2-0 with a 2.65 ERA and 43 strike outs. This week Urias pitched his normal two  innings allowing no runs and struck out two batters.

Staff Writer

Staff Writer features content written by our site editors along with our staff of contributing writers. Thank you for your readership.

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