Dodgers Rumors: Impact Call-Ups that can Stop the Dodgers Dry Spell
By Evan Lovett
![Jun 14, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Joc Pederson loses his helmet as he swings for a strike in the second inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports Jun 14, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Joc Pederson loses his helmet as he swings for a strike in the second inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/685672812a8f31487a3ef39d48bdffb1e96124183ec8dba7e4cda076b767da84.jpg)
Mitchell White.
White, a nasty right-hander out of Santa Clara University, was taken by the Dodgers in the second round in 2016. Though he is only playing in high-A ball for Rancho Cucamonga, it is worth noting that Andrew Toles, the starting left fielder for the Dodgers in the 2016 National League Championship series, began that season in Rancho as well.
The beginning of the season was fortuitous for White, as he was named California League Pitcher of the Week. White tallied 11 strikeouts in nine shutout innings in announcing his presence in the High Desert. He also started the first no-hitter in Rancho Cucamonga’s 25-year history and now carries a microscopic 0.94 WHIP and .132 batting average against in his first three starts.
BREAKING: #Dodgers No. 11 prospect Mitchell White, Alex Hermeling combine on first no-hitter in @RCQuakes history. https://t.co/GKFBpmN4B9 pic.twitter.com/PEVvkwQvjY
— Minor League Baseball (@MiLB) April 8, 2017
As an indication of White’s potential and dominance, he did not allow an earned run in six starts and 22 innings during his 2016 season at three levels. His WHIP registered 0.59 white the batting average against was .096.
White is a tall right-hander that has preternatural movement on most of his pitches. His 95mph fastball has natural cut, and he features a cutter with less velocity and more movement as his out pitch – most pitchers would consider this weapon a slider, as it darts away from bats.
His curveball is already considered above average for the major leagues, and though the 22-year old is only three years removed from Tommy John surgery, his arm does not have the mileage that many pitchers his age are accustomed to having; he only pitched rarely prior to college.
That means there is plenty left in the tank. And he might be able to fill up at Dodger Stadium sooner rather than later if he maintains this dominance.