When the Dodgers selected 18-year-old Alex Verdugo in the second round of the 2014 MLB First Year Player Draft out of Sahuaro High School in Tucson, Arizona, they had hopes that he would become yet another star outfielder of the likes of Yasiel Puig, Joc Pederson and Scott Schebler. And while the now 19-year-old Verdugo has had his highs and lows along the way in his brief two-year professional career, he hit an all-time high on Monday when he was named the California League Player of the Week for the week ending on September 7.

Although Verdugo tore it up in the low minors where he had a combined triple-slash of .353 / .421 / .511 for an outstanding OPS of .932 between the Arizona and Pioneer rookie leagues in 2014, he found the going a little tougher at the Low-A and High-A levels in 2015. But even at Great Lakes and Rancho Cucamonga he had a triple-slash of .311 / .340 / .441 for a .781 OPS. But it’s safe to say that no one could have predicted the kind of week that Verdugo had from August 31 through September 7.

Verdugo’s home run in Monday’s season finale traveled an estimated 468 feet. It was easily one of the longest home run hit by a Quakes player this season. (Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)

After hitting for the cycle the week before, Verdugo went 15 for 26 (.579) in his last seven games with two home runs, four doubles and 10 RBIs. Since his promotion from the Low Single-A Great Lakes Loons to the Advanced Single-A Quakes on August 14, Verdugo is hitting a remarkable .385 with a .406 on-base percentage and .659 slugging percentage for a 1.066 OPS in his 23 Cal League games.

But how is it that a guy can come from one minor league level to a higher level and immediately find success, seemingly without missing a beat?

“You know, really it’s just the same to me,” Verdugo said after Monday’s exciting 7-6 win over the Inland Empire 66ers in the regular season finale. “Pitchers are going to make mistakes and us hitters, the higher you get up, you’ve got to capitalize on the few mistakes that are made.”

Verdugo was quick to point out that he received a tremendous amount of help from Quakes hitting coach Mike Eylward in his short time with the team.

“Here [at Rancho Cucamonga] I had a lot of work with my hitting coach Elly (Eylward),” said Verdugo. “We’ve been working on my timing and being in the right position.”

While winning an individual award is great and all, Verdugo has his sights set on an even bigger award – winning the California League Championship, for which the playoffs begin this Saturday at LoanMart Field for the Quakes. How does Verdugo feel about their chances?

“I feel great. I think if our pitchers do their job and do what they’re capable of doing and keep us in the games, I think our hitting is going to win it for us.”