Dodgers Rumors: Each Dodgers’ Player Rating in MLB the Show 17
By Evan Lovett
Luis Avilan – 74
Acquired by the Dodgers in a three-team deal in 2015 that also included Alex Wood, Avilan was an unsung hero in the bullpen, providing moxie and grittiness that led to his 3.20 ERA in 2016. The left-hander is beguiling, striking out 28 in his 19 1/3 innings of work.
That said, he is simply a specialist, and that is very limiting to his rating. Though his pre-Dodgers career included more extensive work – in three seasons with the Braves he compiled 144 1/3 innings – he is locked into the lefty specialist role with the club in Los Angeles, where he hopes to provide value that exceeds his 74.
The one factor that may not be accounted for in the rating his change-up, which is described as dominant.’ It is this pitch that could see Avilan with a higher rating in the future.
For now, however, that rating is fair and accurate – and the Dodgers hope that in next year’s edition he can improve after having a great 2017.