The Dodgers faced the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday in a double header to begin its last road trip. They will start another playoff run next week. During the double header, Ryan Pepiot and Bobby Miller solidified the rookies as this season’s real MVP of the team.
Pepiot and Miller
In game one, Dave Roberts opted for Caleb Ferguson as the game’s starter. He was removed after giving up a walk, two singles and three runs before getting the third out of the bottom of the first.
Pepiot entered the game and pitched six innings while giving up five hits, one run, struck out nine batters and gave the Dodgers the opportunity to mount a comeback. The offense did not award Pepiot’s outing and the Dodgers lost the game 4-1.
The performance coming from a rookie in a ballpark that’s usually described as an offense haven is telling of the kind of season the Dodgers have had.
In a year with turmoil in the pitching department and no big free agent signings, the rookies’ performances have kept the team’s winning culture afloat and are entering October as one of the favorites to win the World Series.
In game two, Roberts handed flame throwing Miller. The heights of Coors Field did not intimidate him and Miller pitched seven innings while giving up two runs on seven hits and striking out nine batters.
The influx of rookies making a name for themselves this season have established themselves as a very important part of the present and the future. Roberts has already appointed Miller as the starter of either game one or two of the National League Divisional Series. Pepiot has pitched himself to be the fourth starter if the Dodgers make it to the National League Championship Series.
During his six games with the Dodgers, Pepiot holds a 1.85 ERA and a 2-1 record. His performance in Coors Field, a park with very thin air that makes the ball travel, demonstrates he’s up to face any task set in front of him–regardless of the size.
Outman, Sheehan and the Rest
James Outman continues to remind fans sensational rookie overperforming isn’t limited to the pitching staff. Outman has found his stride after finishing the months of May and June hitting a cumulative batting average of .204.
Since June, Outman has hit an average of .265 and has hit 22 home runs in the season. He has won the hearts of fans that were jealous of Cody Bellinger’s resurgence with the Cubs with his defense.
Not to mention Emmet Sheehan, Gavin Stone and Michael Grove who are playing for a spot in the playoff roster.
Based on their performances, Emmett Sheehan is a lock in for the playoffs. Since returning to the major league roster, Sheehan has given up seven runs in 16 innings while striking out 24 batters. His arm will come in handy coming out of the bullpen in the playoffs.
The rookies have made a name for themselves and are here to stay. Don’t be surprise to see them take it to a new level in October.
