July 27th, 2012 at 6:33 pm 
by Ron Cervenka 
Steven Rodriguez
The instant that 21-year-old left-handed pitcher Steven Rodriguez was drafted by the Dodgers in the 2nd round of the 2012 First Year Player Draft (82nd overall), it was reported that the University of Florida junior was the most likely 2012 Dodgers draft pick to make it to the Major Leagues the fastest, and it appears that those reports were accurate.
After being drafted on June 5th, Rodriguez signed with the Dodgers on July 5th and was immediately assigned to the Great Lakes Loons, the Dodgers Low-A affiliate, completely by-passing the Dodgers rookie and instructional affiliate teams. It is now being reported (via Twitter) that Rodriguez has been promoted to Double-A, thus by-passing the Dodgers High-A affiliate Rancho Cucamonga Quakes. The Twitter report appears accurate, as Rodriguez is already listed on the Lookouts roster.
Rodriguez made six relief appearances with the Loons and did not allow a run in his six innings of work. He allowed only 4 hits, zero walks, struck out 10, while picking up 2 saves.
Posted in 
That’s very good news. We need good young talent to replace what we are losing now during this trading period.
One thing that I was completely unaware until recently is that a player acquired in the First Year Player Draft cannot be traded until the following season. That said, I believe that Rodriguez is here to stay and believe that he might even see MLB action this season as a September call-up. I also anticipate that he will be called upon to represent the Dodgers in the Arizona Fall League this year.