Dodgers promote prospect Kyle Hurt to make MLB debut

Kyle Hurt has received his first ever major-league call up, according to reports from Jeff Passan and Fabian Ardaya.

Throughout the 2023 season, Hurt has been at the top of the minor leagues in strikeout rate. He has worked his way up from outside of MLB Pipeline’s Top 30 Dodgers prospects preseason to now holding the No. 12 spot on their list. Hurt is ranked No. 13 overall on our Dodgers Digest Midseason Prospects List that was updated in early August.

This year has been a big one for the right-hander, who struggled badly through his first Double-A stint in 2022. Walks were a big issue, as Hurt issued more than 10 free passes per nine innings with the Drillers. He worked hard over the offseason to improve his command and it has immediately translated to 2023. He has walked only 4.18 batters per nine this season alongside his fantastic 39% strikeout rate, which has not dipped like is typical for pitchers prioritizing control improvements.

Kyle Hurt, my No. 13 #Dodgers prospect, was excellent for OKC tonight:

5.0 IP
1 H
0 R
1 BB
6 K
11 whiffs
37 CSW%
60 P / 37 S

Hurt has a 3.09 ERA and 35 strikeouts in 23 1/3 innings since being promoted to Triple-A pic.twitter.com/HwRja1vDaV

— Bruce Kuntz (@Bnicklaus7) September 8, 2023

Hurt has a full arsenal of pitches that are all usable and effective. To start it off, his fastball rides in the mid-to-high 90s with good life. Mostly, Hurt throws a four-seamer, but he has also added a sinker in his last couple outings. His slider and changeup are both above-average, with the latter flashing plus action. Lastly, Hurt has a solid curveball that he uses to steal a few extra called strikes.

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After being drafted by the Marlins, Hurt was traded to the Dodgers alongside Alex Vesia prior to the 2021 season. Hurt had not yet made his pro debut at the time he was dealt since he was drafted out of USC in 2020. After almost three full years in the system, the now 25-year-old is ready to take the step to the majors for the first time.

We know the stuff and the whiffs will be there as soon as the So-Cal native steps onto the field at Dodger Stadium. It is possible Hurt goes through an adjustment period to start as big-league hitters don’t chase nearly as much as Triple-A batters, but as long as he can throw enough strikes to stay in positive counts, Hurt’s stuff will take over and do the rest. He will be working out of the bullpen, possibly as a multi-inning option for Dave Roberts.

Overall, the call-up for Hurt makes a lot of sense. He would have been eligible for the Rule 5 Draft this offseason, so the Dodgers would have had to add him to the 40-man roster this winter either way. Doing it now means Hurt can get his first taste of big league action and possibly even compete for a playoff roster spot. Big stuff is what plays in October, and Hurt already has that box checked.