Dodgers: Andre Jackson Highlighted as a Prospect to Watch By MLB Experts
The Dodgers have had a great deal of success when it comes to churning out quality big leaguers from their farm system. While not every one of them turns into a star, they have to be happy with the way they’ve developed their homegrown talent.
The organization isn’t too shy about relying on them for help either, whether it be through a call up or a trade to improve areas of need. We’ve seen plenty of young prospects be called on this season to fill holes up and down the roster. While they have been trying to improve their stock with the big league club, others have been competing down in the minor leagues. One name in particular to watch is Andre Jackson who was highlighted as a prospect on the rise within the Dodgers’ system by MLB Pipeline. Jackson is rated as the team’s No. 22 prospect but with a new updated prospect ranking scheduled to come out next week, he could see himself much higher up.
That’s not the only thing he could look forward to either. With the way things are going up in the big leagues, could Jackson find himself in Los Angeles sooner rather than later? He’s currently on the 40-man roster so the team wouldn’t have to clear a spot for him, yet is he ready? Or does he have enough experience?
The case for a potential call up
The once outfielder, now converted into a pitcher, spent most of this season with Double-A Tulsa before being called up to Triple-A Oklahoma City on July 31. Between the two levels, Jackson has a combined 5-2 record across 17 appearances (14 starts)to go along with a 3.28 ERA and 81 strikeouts.
Andre Jackson won his first Triple-A start, going 5 innings, yielding 2 runs on 2 hits. @RRExpress vs @OKC_Dodgers #RRExpress pic.twitter.com/Etj47hU3gx
— Andy Nietupski (@ttlsports) August 5, 2021
Due to his more recent transition as a full-time pitcher, he doesn’t have the best command of his pitches which has led to a lot of walks during his time on the mound. Still, he possesses enough upside that could warrant a call up should the need arise. While he’s spent most of his time as a starter, Andre Jackson could be a valuable weapon out of the pen for the Dodgers with many of their arms being sidelined with injuries.
He could also take on a role seen with Mitch White. He could eat up some innings in bullpen games, or be used as a multi-inning reliever. Of course, it would be ideal to let him sit in the minors and continue to develop for the years to come, but this season has been unpredictable. It’s been an all hands on deck mentality all year and that shouldn’t change too much moving forward.
NEXT: 5 Biggest Concerns Heading Toward October, Health, Offense, the Giants, and More
