Dodgers: DJ Peters Gets His First Career Start Tonight Against the Padres
The Dodgers offense is in desperate need of help. Someone is going to need to step up and provide a spark to give these guys some life. While it’s expected to be a veteran of the team, don’t count out the rookies.
One guy that has the chance to be the man tonight is DJ Peters. The 6-foot-6 outfield prospect got the callup from the Dodgers on Friday night in place of Zach McKinstry. He got into the game as a pinch hitter and grounded out, but tonight, he makes the first start of his big league career.
Tonight’s #Dodgers lineup against Blake Snell and the Padres. DJ Peters gets the first start of his career. pic.twitter.com/6oShwrbsdn
— Juan Toribio (@juanctoribio) April 24, 2021
Today, the life-long Dodger fan talked about his dream come true on Friday night at Chavez Ravine.
Being a 7-year-old kid, wanting to walk from the on-deck circle to the box and get an at-bat at Dodger Stadium. It’s something I’ll never forget.
DJ said that he had about 15 people in attendance for the game.
Family and friends.
— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) April 24, 2021
It’s been a long road for Peters to get to the big leagues. The minor league slugger has been blocked in the outfield for quite some time now, and the Dodgers simply haven’t had the need for him up until now.
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But with injury totals climbing quickly, the Dodgers will turn to Peters in hopes of him providing a jolt.
Peters gets a tough first matchup as he will have to face the Padres’ Blake Snell in his first start, Snell has given the Dodgers a lot of trouble dating back to the 2020 World Series. But Peters has hit left-handed pitching very well in his minor league career and will look to make the most of his opportunity.
Peters also impressed in his first few showings at Spring Training. All told, he tallied 2 home runs and drew 7 walks in 23 games. His athleticism in the outfield also surprised many Dodgers fans given his large stature.
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One can only hope and wish that somehow some way Peters learns better bat to ball skills, the one fly in the ointment that’s kept him from MLB up to this point.