Dodgers Rumors: Impact Call-Ups that can Stop the Dodgers Dry Spell
By Evan Lovett
Trevor Oaks.
Oaks is another off-the-radar performer. The 2014 seventh-rounder methodically scaled the Dodgers farm system after a rude introduction to professional baseball at Rookie Ball Ogden. Heading into that offseason with a 6.31 ERA and unsightly 1.51 WHIP, Oaks focused on what worked during his dominating run for California Baptist University, mixing in his mid-90s fastball with a cutter that he runs into the high-80s.
Further incorporating a slider and changeup that are considered major league caliber, Oaks ascended to AAA Oklahoma City within 18 months, posting a 1.16 WHIP in his first season at the level in 63 innings. Oaks holds a 1.13 WHIP in 331 1/3 minor league innings, and an impressive 4-1 strikeout/walk ratio.
The 24-year old is showing similar performance thus far in 2017, with a 1.11 WHIP and 1.89 ERA through his first four starts as the team’s Ace. With 21 strikeouts against only five walks, the Dodgers would be wise to give Kenta Maeda or Hyun-Jin Ryu a rest, as they are both disappointing for Los Angeles.
It is worth noting that there is still no “medical miracle” for Rich Hill’s ongoing blister issue, so there are now essentially three rotation slots in flux for the Dodgers. Trevor Oaks, the local kid from Riverside, might be the perfect call-up to help stabilize the rotation for the big league club.