Dodgers: Latest prospect update sees multiple Dodgers climb the ranks

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player. 71. Pick Analysis. RHP. Walker Buehler. Scouting Report. Previously Ranked: 93. 13

Dodger fans should be very excited about Walker Buehler, as evident by his massive jump in MLB Pipeline’s rankings. Buehler entered 2016 being a pitcher that had an immense amount of upside, but coming off of Tommy John, that upside wasn’;t expected to be reached right away. Now, heading into August, Buehler is the second best right-handed pitcher in the minor leagues.

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This exponential leap is the direct result of very strong play in the minors from Buehler. Pitching just five innings in 2016 has not phased the 2014 NCAA National Champion. Buehler has bounced back, throwing 65 1/3 innings between three levels this season.

Buehler started the year with a 1.65 ERA in five games pitched for the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes. That prompted a call up to AA Tulsa, in which he posted a 3.49 ERA in 11 games. This led to his AAA debut on July 20, which did not go as planned. Buehler allowed four runs on two hits and three walks without registering a single out. His AAA ERA is infinity.

However, that one hiccup is not reflective of the kind of talent he is. Buehler has a great mid to high nineties fastball backed up by a great curve and a good slider and changeup. Buehler is deceptive and knows how to miss bats, striking out 12.5 batters for every nine innings pitched.

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With reports of the Dodgers shopping for Yu Darvish and the Rangers liking Buehler, we may see him go. However, other reports have surfaced that the Dodgers may be looking to bring Buehler into the bullpen as early as the end of this season; hitting the brakes on any trade talks involving the Vanderbilt alumni.

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