The Dodgers will promote right-handed pitching prospect Michael Grove on Sunday, and Grove will make his MLB debut in some capacity during Los Angeles’ game with the Phillies. Manager Dave Roberts told reporters (including J.P. Hoornstra of The Southern California News Group) that Grove will either work as a starter, or as a bulk pitcher behind an opener.
The 25-year-old Grove was a second-round pick for the Dodgers in the 2018 draft, and could have gone higher if he hadn’t had over a full season of college ball wiped out by Tommy John surgery. Both MLB Pipeline (23rd) and Baseball America (24th) place the righty within their rankings of the team’s top 30 prospects, citing his big fastball that sits in the 96-99mph range, and with Pipeline also giving his slider a 60 grade on the 20-80 scouting scale.
A midseason arm slot adjustment helped Grove achieve better results at Double-A last season, and he has kept it going this year with a 2.76 ERA, 32.8% strikeout rate, and 7.5% walk rate over 16 1/3 frames (still at the Double-A level). The drop in walk rate is a particularly good sign given the control problems that hampered Grove earlier in his minor league career, and he has allowed only one home run this season after giving up 26 long balls during his first 122 2/3 pro innings.
Scouts aren’t sure if Grove’s stuff will allow him to remain as a starter in the big leagues, or if he could eventually be used as a bullpen weapon. Theoretically, Grove could be an intriguing choice as a multi-inning reliever if L.A. doesn’t feel he can succeed in a normal starting role, and the Dodgers’ creative pitcher usage allows for many possibilities for Grove’s future.
For now, he’ll get to bypass Triple-A and jump right to the big leagues. Clayton Kershaw’s recent trip to the 15-day injured list left the Dodgers down two starters (Kershaw and Andrew Heaney), and in need of some rotation help during a stretch of 31 games in 30 days. Prospect Ryan Pepiot also recently made his MLB debut and could be the likeliest candidate for a more extended look, so it’s possible Sunday’s outing could be a one-off for Grove.
How long til this team does a panic trade?
They don’t make panic trades
what do you call them trading for scherzer when they found out the padres were interested? very insecure ballclub tbh
A very smart move.
Panic moves are when the Padres trade for Clevinger and Snell. Scherzer is the 2nd best pitcher of this generation and Turner is a top 5 SS, they got for spare parts
Spare parts plus $21 million/yr
Not a trade but it’s in my belief the Bauer signing had a lot to do with the Padres offseason
Don’t know if panic is the right word…maybe operating out of their comfort zone?
Either way, the results are indicative
First place teams in May don’t make panic trades
LAD has such a good pitching staff, why do they need this kid?
China grove, keep on Doobie Brothers!
Because Manfred has a vendetta against you know who, and they didn’t have enough clarity in the offseason.
32 games in 30 days and two starters on the IL
2 starters went to the IL and the Dodgers are in the midst of a 4 game series. They needed another starter.
“in may” lol exactly
Neon: how about never.
Any relation to Lefty Grove?
Long term this kid will be a weapon out the bullpen. He can get strikeouts with a FB/slider combo
He was a very good college pitcher. He’s a WVU guy. I’m rooting for him.
6.60 ERA…lmao
They are really going to need guys to go more than 1 inn out of the pen.
Missing that from Mitch White currently, missing Heaney as Tyler Anderson becomes that if he’s healthy as well
I thought we would see Roberts attempt this a little more with Bickford and Graterol.
Grat’s had some multi inn games but they have come off quick 1 st inn pitch counts rather than by design. Price’s {potential} length woulda been nice too
Somethings gotta give tho, they can’t continue going at it 1 guy/1 inn at a time (especially w guys like Kahnle/Moronta coming back from inj) while pulling the Sp’s on early pitch counts. Never thought Id want Mitch White back so dearly !
Dodgers are loaded, great minor league system, in addition to these guys, Bobby Miller is very good
Pitching getting exposed a bit against a good hitting team like the Phillies. Better to know now than later. Dodgers need pitching help, primarily at SP.
Kid has a spot on Scherzer windup, with a higher arm slot. That’s….something.
Pitched 3 2/3 innings no earned runs, good start for a AA pitcher, LA will take it!