The Dodger Minor League affiliates have, at this point, quite a few relievers performing very well down on the farm. Their performance, in fact, is overshadowing the expected performance of some of the more highly touted starters.

AAA (Albuquerque Isotopes)
Josh Wall is the number one reliever in Albuquerque. He gave up two runs in his first appearance and none in his last nine. He is closing.

Scott Rice is the Dodgers’ top lefty and the closest to being brought up to the Big team, but has faltered of late giving up runs in four of his last five appearances.

AA (Chattanooga Lookouts)
Shawn Tolleson is with the Lookouts and, in my opinion, should already be on the Big team. He is a closer with a WHIP and ERA both below 1.00 and an 18/3 strikeout to walk ratio.

Blake Johnson, the Dodgers’ former draft pick who was traded to the Orioles and picked up again, is pitching well with an ERA of 1.78, a WHIP of 0.91 and 14/2 strikeout to walk ratio.

Steven Ames is somehow the forgotten man. Although he started out well, he has slipped a bit however.

A+ (Rancho Cucamonga Quakes)
At least three guys are pitching well for the Quakes:

Juan Rodriguez has 15 K’s in 8.1 innings.

Scott McGough has a WHIP of 0.84 and a K/inning.

Logan Bawcom is closing and has allowed only one hit in 10 innings with a 16/6 strikeout to walk ratio.

A (Great Lakes Loons)
Yimi Garcia is closing for the Loons and has a 1.23 ERA and 10/3 strikeout to walk ratio.

Eric Eadington has an 18/1 strikeout to walk ratio.

Juan Noriega has allowed no runs in 14 innings.

Jose Dominguez, in long relief, has a WHIP of 0.76 and a 23/6 strikeout to walk ratio.

Many of these guys seem to be exhibiting good control, which a number of Dodger Minor League starters are not. This is probably due to the fact that it is (perhaps) easier to be under control for an inning or two than it is for several innings. The reliever comes in and goes all out, not having to hold back anything. That said, perhaps Chris Withrow, Aaron Miller and Ethan Martin will wind up as relievers.

*     *     *     *     *

About the Author

Harold Uhlman is a life-long Dodger fan living in Nova Scotia, Canada. He is a retired school teacher and administrator whose love for the Dodgers began over a half century ago while listening to Red Barber and Vin Scully broadcast Brooklyn Dodger games over the radio. Harold’s passion for the Dodgers continued when the team moved west in 1958 and is as strong as ever today. His all-time favorite Dodger is Duke Snider. Harold is an avid baseball card collector with over 30,000 cards in his collection, many of which are current and former Dodgers and Dodger prospects. His passion within his passion is closely following the Dodger minor league affiliates and prospects which he has generously agreed to share with us here at ThinkBlueLA, for which we are extremely grateful.