On Tuesday the Dodgers promoted 22-year-old shortstop Tyler Wampler from the Low Single-A Great Lakes Loons to the Advanced Single-A Rancho Cucamonga Quakes.

Wampler, who was selected by the Dodgers in the 17th round of the 2014 First Year Player Draft out of Indiana State University, split time between the Arizona Rookie League Dodgers, the Pioneer Rookie League Ogden Raptors and the Loons in 2014 where he hit a combined .176. He began the 2015 season at Great Lakes, where he continued to struggled going 4 for 32 (.125) in 10 games with the Loons, prompting the Dodgers to send him to extended spring training at Camelback Ranch.

“I’m super excited,” said Wampler prior to his first game with his new team. “It’s actually been kind of a roller coaster for me. I started in Low-A this year and struggled a little bit and found myself in extended spring training and now I’m here. I’m grateful for the opportunity.”

Tyler Wampler working out prior to making his debut with the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes.
(Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)

Making it from the draft to Advanced Single-A in less than a year is rather uncommon and usually reserved for top draft picks, not 17th rounders. This suggests that the organization is rather high on the Terre Haute, Indiana native.

“It’s been a lot of work put in, that’s for sure,” Wampler said. “I’ve learned a lot and I think I’m ready to play here.”