Konu’s Prospect Watch – Let The Kids Get Hot

Let The Kids Get Hot – Konu’s Prospect Watch

It had been over 600 days since the last Minor League season took place. Two weeks ago, the long drought finally ended and we got to see Minor League Baseball. I’ll be providing updates on some of the Dodgers top prospects and the ones I’m most excited about.  Welcome to Konu’s Prospect Watch.

Michael Busch – Tulsa Drillers

This week we’ll start with someone a lot of the people in the organization are excited about and that’s Michael Busch. In a dozen games so far this season, Busch racked up 13 hits in 47 at-bats with five home runs and two doubles. He’s walked eight times (which he’s known to do) but struck an uncharacteristic 16 times in those twelve games. His strikeouts fit in the Muncy/Taylor mold, where he swings and misses in the zone. Busch shows excellent command of his strike zone – contact will come with time.  And that’s good news, because his contact is loud with great barrel control. It’s no wonder people in the Dodgers org are so high on him.

Josiah Gray – OKC Dodgers

Josiah Gray only started once this season before a slight injury sidelined him. In his one start, he went five innings, striking out 10.  He did give up 2 runs, but he looked pretty dominant against the Rangers affiliate minus that one mistake. Gray used his fastball well and was able to get them to swing through it. Showcased the effectiveness of the breaking pitches as well. Gray is someone I’m really excited for and I hope this injury doesn’t keep him out long.

Bobby Miller – Great Lakes Loons

Next up is the first-round pick in the 2020 draft Bobby Miller. Miller is being slow played and thus has only made one start so far. During that game, he went 3 innings, giving up 2 hits, 0 runs, and striking out 5, all on fastballs. He also got swings and misses on the change-up but there’s still work to be done there. Miller is definitely fun to watch, so hopefully he pitches again soon.

Clayton Beeter – Great Lakes Loons

Third round 2020 daft pick Clayton Beeter has pitched in three games, tallying three innings. He struck out six including the side against the Tigers affiliate which included First Overall pick, Spencer Torkelson. Better has commanded his fastball well and paired it with a nice curveball. Not sure why he’s only pitching one inning each start but he’s someone who I think could shoot through the system if made a reliever.

Ryan Pepiot – Tulsa Drillers

The last player we’ll get into this week is Ryan Pepiot. He’s pitched in two games so far, tallying 8 total innings, giving up 5 hits, 2 earned runs, and racking up 11 strikeouts. Pepiot is known for his change-up and it hasn’t disappointed. The Dodgers have quite a few good pitching prospects and Pepiot finds himself up there. Wouldn’t be surprised to see Ryan Pepiot up in Triple-A Oklahoma City midway through this season.