Dodgers Prospect Notes: Yurchak’s always on base, Williams progressing, enjoy a walk-off

Kendall Williams (Photo: Cody Bashore)

April 14, 2022 Scoreboard

Triple A Oklahoma City 5, El Paso 7

Double A Tulsa 4, Amarillo 7

High A Great Lakes 2, Peoria 5

Low A Rancho Cucamonga 5, Inland Empire 4

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Justin Yurchak has been a base-hit machine throughout his time in the minor leagues, and in his follow-up to a brief, torrid run with Tulsa last Summer, that trend has continued:

Full count, runner on, Yurchak sits back and shoots 95 down the left field line, extra bases, run scores. Aesthetically, it’s pretty damned pleasing.

Yurchak came to the Dodgers in a deal that sent Manny Banuelos to the Chicago White Sox. Primarily a 1st baseman, Yurchak’s penchant for hitting ’em where they ain’t (.320 avg this season, .321 career) and finding a way to reach base (.414 OBP this season, .412 career) make him an intriguing bench bat possibility, a la Matt Beaty.

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Kendall Williams had the longest outing of the season thus far for Rancho Cucamonga, and he pitched around an error to limit Inland Empire to 2 runs in his 4 2/3 innings (1 run was earned). He allowed 3 hits, walked none, and picked up 7 strikeouts.

Williams, who came to the Dodgers from Toronto in the Ross Stripling trade, bears a strong resemblance mechanically to Logan Gilbert:

Though 2021 was a bit of a rough go for Williams with the Quakes, he’s 6’6, has a live arm, and is still projectable. There are definitely good ingredients here.

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Here’s a walkoff W, enjoy your Friday!

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