Los Angeles Dodgers draft pick Zach Root made his professional debut in LA’s Spring Breakout game, and made his mark during his short outing.
The Dodgers took on the Chicago White Sox in Spring Breakout, battling back from an early 8-2 deficit to win 11-10. Root played a huge role for LA, pitching three innings and striking out eight of the 10 batters he faced on his way to earning the win. His eight strikeouts tied the single-game record in Spring Breakout.
Los Angeles drafted Root with their highest selection in the 2025 MLB draft, but he didn’t make his professional debut last season nor in spring training. He is currently listed as the Dodgers’ No. 13 prospect, but could quickly rise up the ranks if he continues to impress as he did Saturday.
What is Spring Breakout?
Spring Breakout is an annual event held at spring training, pitting prospects from every MLB team against one another to showcase MLB’s brightest stars in an exhibition game.
Each team plays one game, with the exception of one team from each spring training league as they have to make up for the odd number of teams in the Cactus and Grapefruit Leagues.
Spring Breakout will be changing in 2027, as MLB announced the format would change into two single-elimination tournaments and crown a champion in both leagues.
Who Else Performed Well for the Dodgers in Spring Breakout?
Aside from Root, the Dodgers saw several standout performances from some of their top prospects.
No. 1 prospect Josue De Paula went 1-for-2 with a double, a walk, a stolen base and two runs, No. 4 prospect Mike Sirota went 2-for-3 with two RBIs and a run and No. 11 prospect James Tibbs III continued his unbelievable run this spring with a 1-for-1 performance with a three-run home run and three walks.
The Dodgers are still yet to lose a game in Spring Breakout, having beaten the Los Angeles Angels in the first installment of the event in 2024 and missing their game in 2025 due to extreme weather conditions.
The Dodgers have just three games remaining before the season kicks off Thursday against the Diamondbacks, and they will all come against the Los Angeles Angels in LA. The first game comes Sunday at Angel Stadium, and the following two will be held at Dodger Stadium on Monday and Tuesday.
Which prospect in the Dodgers’ system are you most excited about?
