On Sunday, the Dodgers will promote right-handed pitching prospect Michael Grove, who will make his MLB debut in some form against the Phillies.
Grove will either be a starter or a bulk pitcher behind an opener, according to manager Dave Roberts, who spoke to reporters including J.P. Hoornstra of The Southern California News Group.
Grove, who was drafted in the second round by the Dodgers in 2018, could have gone higher if he hadn’t missed over a full season of collegiate baseball due to Tommy John surgery.
Baseball America (24th) and MLB Pipeline (23rd) both rate the right-hander among the team’s top 30 prospects, citing his powerful fastball that sits in the 96-99 mph area, as well as Pipeline’s 60 grade on the 20-80 scouting scale.
Grove improved his results at Double-A Tulsa last season after making a midseason arm slot adjustment, and he has continued that trend this year with a 2.76 ERA, 32.8 percent strikeout rate, and 7.5 percent walk rate over 16 1/3 frames at the Double-A level.
Grove has only allowed one home run this season after giving up 26 in his first 122 2/3 professional innings, which is an especially encouraging indication given his control issues earlier in his minor league career.
Grove’s stuff isn’t clear if he’ll be able to stay in the big leagues as a starter or if he’ll eventually be used as a bullpen weapon, according to scouts.
Who Are Michael Grove Parents?
Michael Grove’s parents are Jeff Grove and Stephanie Grove.