The Dodgers won their Spring Breakout game in dominating fashion.
This event flew a bit under the radar with the first exhibition game in Korea happening tonight, but it was a nice debut for the Spring Breakout series. Multiple prospects appeared that have not yet made it into any Major League spring training games, making this the first time anyone could watch them in high definition or maybe at all.
The pitchers the Dodgers sent to the mound were excellent, allowing only one run, which scored on an error. Justin Wrobleski was the starter, tossing two shutout frames.
Heck of a defensive play from Justin Wrobleski right here after shattering a bat pic.twitter.com/d7SrrXEvcd
— Bruce Kuntz (@Bnicklaus7) March 16, 2024
Wrobleski, my No. 12 prospect in the system, struck out four and allowed just one hit. He is going to be a big name to watch this season and will likely start the year at Double-A Tulsa.
Another two strikeouts for #Dodgers LHP prospect Justin Wrobleski in the second inning
— Bruce Kuntz (@Bnicklaus7) March 16, 2024
Wrobleski is DEALING ? pic.twitter.com/yRwcmiML1C
The big swing of the game came from Thayron Liranzo, who mashed a three-run homer in the third inning. Liranzo, my No. 10 prospect, led the Single-A California League in homers last year and could become a top 100 prospect with a big season in 2024.
THAYRON LIRANZO UNLOADS
— Bruce Kuntz (@Bnicklaus7) March 16, 2024
LONG HOME RUN FOR MY NO. 10 #DODGERS PROSPECT pic.twitter.com/y38iAXrZ0y
Another big performance came from Kendall George, the Dodgers’ top draft pick from last season. He went 2-for-3 with a double, a triple and two runs scored. George, my No. 20 prospect, possesses true 80-grade speed and good control of the barrel, each of which he showed today.
STAND UP, RBI TRIPLE FOR KENDALL GEORGE
— Bruce Kuntz (@Bnicklaus7) March 17, 2024
Absolutely BLAZING speed pic.twitter.com/LuYgUyTvfZ
Josue De Paula also picked up two hits. My No. 2 prospect drove in George on each of his singles, going 2-for-3 with on the day.
Josue De Paula drives in Kendall George on an RBI single to give the #Dodgers prospects their first run! pic.twitter.com/Jhap0ss8OZ
— Bruce Kuntz (@Bnicklaus7) March 16, 2024
Jackson Ferris and Zyhir Hope each made their first appearances as Dodgers. Ferris, my No. 9 prospect, struck out three in two innings while Hope, my No. 45 prospect, singled twice and stole a base. They were each acquired from the Cubs in the Michael Busch/Yency Almonte deal this offseason.
Jackson Ferris, my No. 9 #Dodgers prospect, in the Spring Breakout game:
— Bruce Kuntz (@Bnicklaus7) March 17, 2024
2.0 IP
2 H
1 R (0 ER)
2 BB
3 K
First time we’ve seen Ferris and his excellent stuff in a Dodger uniform pic.twitter.com/dYNDS9NEOj
Zyhir Hope stole his first base in a Dodger uniform! pic.twitter.com/KyUSu3eqpW
— Bruce Kuntz (@Bnicklaus7) March 17, 2024
Teenage infielder Alexander Albertus, my No. 30 prospect, entered the game off the bench and doubled in his first at-bat. Albertus struck out twice as much as he walked in rookie ball last year and could be on Rancho Cucamonga’s Opening Day roster this season.
Alexander Albertus, my No. 30 #Dodgers prospect, knocked a double down the line! pic.twitter.com/q5Cv5hv6cu
— Bruce Kuntz (@Bnicklaus7) March 17, 2024
The Dodgers allowed just one hit across the final five innings, which started with Jared Karros, my No. 56 prospect, throwing two impressive innings. Patrick Copen entered next, striking out four in two innings of his own.
Patrick Copen in the Spring Breakout game:
— Bruce Kuntz (@Bnicklaus7) March 17, 2024
2.0 IP
1 H
0 R
0 BB
4 K
Very impressive from the #Dodgers 7th round pick last year pic.twitter.com/oAAQHVWS9f
Finishing off the game with an electric inning was Edgardo Henriquez, my No. 39 prospect. Henriquez struck out all three batters he faced, and although there was not a radar gun on the broadcast, his fastball looked to be running hot and forced a few ugly whiffs.
What a frame from Edgardo Henriquez to end the Spring Breakout game
— Bruce Kuntz (@Bnicklaus7) March 17, 2024
He struck out all three batters he faced, forcing some ugly swings. Henriquez, my No. 39 #Dodgers prospect, missed all of 2023 after having elbow surgery in ‘22 pic.twitter.com/aVxhFmyzVB
Henriquez missed all of 2023 after he had elbow surgery in Aug. 2022. If he is back to himself and healthy on the mound this year, as well as back to his previous fastball velocity in the high-90s, he could get back into the conversation among the best pitching prospects in the organization quickly.
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Everyone already knew that the Dodgers have a bright future, but a day like today sets that in stone. The Spring Breakout roster was missing a few top prospects such as Andy Pages, River Ryan and Diego Cartaya, leaving some extra room for other players to showcase themselves. Hopefully MLB carries this as a yearly event into the future.