Trio of promotions a sign of things to come
This story was excerpted from Juan Toribio's Dodgers Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.
LOS ANGELES -- While all the attention is on the Majors and how the Dodgers are currently withstanding numerous injuries to key players, Los Angeles is also enjoying some solid development wins in the Minor Leagues.
With the MiLB season already halfway done, a couple of players have stood out and earned some well-deserved promotions.
Let’s take a look at three prospects who have been promoted since the start of the year and what could be next for them in their respective careers.
LHP Justin Wrobleski
Promotion: Double-A Tulsa to Triple-A Oklahoma City
Over the past couple of years, Wrobleski -- the Dodgers’ No. 14 prospect per MLB Pipeline -- has developed into one of the more intriguing left-handed arms in the system. The 23-year-old has improved the velocity on his four-seam fastball, which now tops out around 98 mph. Pair that with his curveball, slider and changeup mix and Wrobleski has all the tools to be a quality starter in the Majors.
Wrobleski went 5-2 with a 3.06 ERA over 13 starts (67 2/3 innings) at Double-A Tulsa to start the year and is set to be called up to Triple-A and make his OKC debut on Saturday. The next step for the left-hander is to continue showing progress. There’s a very realistic timeline for him to make his Major League debut next season.
RHP Sauryn Lao
Promotion: Double-A Tulsa to Triple-A Oklahoma City
Lao was one of the most interesting arms this spring. The former third baseman transitioned to a reliever a few seasons ago and hasn’t stopped impressing since. The 24-year-old has a good cutter and four-seamer. Once he gets a better command of his breaking pitches, he could make an impact in the Majors over the next year or two.
RHP Edgardo Henriquez
Promotion: High-A Great Lakes to Double-A Tulsa
Nobody has moved up quicker through the system this season than Henriquez. The 21-year-old began the season at Single-A Rancho Cucamonga, but was quickly promoted to High-A Great Lakes. That stint also didn’t last long as the hard-throwing right-hander got promoted to Double-A Tulsa on June 11.
It’s easy to see what the Dodgers like about Henriquez, who consistently flashes triple digits on the fastball -- including a dominant performance against the Angels during the Spring Breakout game in March. Over three levels, Henriquez has punched out 51 batters over just 26 2/3 innings of work. Henriquez should get added to the Dodgers’ 40-man roster this winter, and don’t be surprised if he makes his way to Dodger Stadium shortly thereafter.