Dodgers News: MLB Insider Predicts Kyle Hurt Plays Big Role in Postseason This Year
The Dodgers regular season will be coming to a close over the next few weeks, and the push to get ready for the postseason has begun. LA has some tough decisions to make on the roster that they will take into the playoffs, but some strong performances down the stretch could help some fringe guys make the cut.
One of those is rookie pitcher Kyle Hurt, who made his major league debut earlier this week against the San Diego Padres. Hurt was called up from Double-A and instantly made an impact on the mound.
He faced off against the heart of the Padres order and handled them with ease. Then he went back out on the mound for the 9th inning and proceeded to strike out the side. It was an exciting debut for the former USC Trojans pitcher and one that could get him more playing time.
While Hurt was optioned to Triple-A after one game, one MLB insider believes that he could play a major role for LA in the postseason. Jon Morosi of MLB Network is a big believer in the stuff that Hurt has and thinks he could be an X-factor.
“I think Kyle Hurt,” Morosi said, “is going to be, very quickly, a crucial pitcher for the Dodgers in the postseason.”
Per Jon Morosi of MLB Network
The team was intrigued with Hurt due to his high strikeout rate. He led the minor leagues with it and punched out 145 batters over 88.1 innings of work.
Without a ton of tape on Hurt, it could play as an advantage for LA in the playoffs. He could be used as a bridge-guy, and someone that they call upon to get a big few outs.
“He is going to be a tremendous asset for this team,” Morosi said. “I do think we could see Kyle Hurt be a multi-inning bridge guy.”
Per Jon Morosi of MLB Network
Hurt showed that his stuff could perform on the big league level, but it remains to be seen if the Dodgers will give him another shot. If they do and he performs well, it would be hard to leave him off the roster that they bring into the postseason.
Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
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If he had any chance at all he would already be pitching with the team. To go from a minor league environment right into the playoffs would unprecedented.