Dodgers Team News

Dodgers: Infielder Zach McKinstry Thankful for MLB Debut

Wednesday was full of headlines for the Dodgers. As the cards aligned during a through a 7-5 victory over the Padres to make LA the first team in baseball to clinch a playoff berth, several personnel moves finally gave one rookie his opportunity.

25-year-old infield prospect Zach McKinstry made his major league debut yesterday without much fanfare. The pinch hit appearance was made possible after outfielder Joc Pederson was placed on the family medical emergency list, which immediately was a huge cause of concern to the fanbase.

However, trudging forward, as they say, McKinstry came up to the plate as a pinch hitter for Justin Turner at Petco Park in San Diego on Wednesday, September 17 in the bad year and struck out on 5 pitches. And with that, he officially became a big leaguer.

After the game, the Ohio native thanked everyone that made it all possible.

McKinstry became the latest Dodger to make his debut from LA’s 2016 super draft that netted them gems like Will Smith, Gavin Lux, Dustin May, among others. In four-plus minor league seasons, the infielder has posted a .773 OPS with 105 extra base hits in 356 games.

Where he really burst onto the scene was during spring training (1.0) this year where he hit .414 with a 1.314 OPS in 16 games for the Dodgers. From there he went from low level prospect to potential contributor at the major league level.

As the Dodgers stand to lose Enrique Hernandez and potentially Justin Turner in the offseason, having another utility type infielder who can hit a little bit may be just what the doctor orders for the future.

Welcome to the show, Zach!

NEXT: Caleb Ferguson Facing Season-Ending Surgery, Decision Still to Be Made

Clint Pasillas

Clint Pasillas has been writing, blogging, and podcasting about the Los Angeles Dodgers since 2008. Under Clint's leadership as the Lead Editor, Dodgers Nation has grown into one of the most read baseball sites in the world with millions of unique visitors per month. Find him online on Twitter/X or his YouTube channel!

2 Comments

  1. Many expect a rookie to come out blazing. That isn’t always true and it takes them a while to start producing. If the number and the scouts are right he’ll come around. Welcome.

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