Tim Rogers
The Dodgers played the Rockies tonight (April 14) with Zach McKinstry in the lineup in right field as Cody Bellinger is still recovering from getting spiked last week. Earlier in the game, McKinstry hit a single. Then the Dodgers did a double switch and brought in Luke Raley to play left field while shifting McKinstry to second base.
In the eighth inning, with no outs and Daniel Bard pitching, McKinstry launched a home run off a 98 MPH fastball over the left-center field wall.
Two batters later, Luke Raley hit a double to left field for his first Major League hit. Congratulations, Luke! We are so happy for him as he tries to make an impression with the Dodgers’ management.
Luke Raley doubles for his first MLB hit. pic.twitter.com/NbOcULKvIG
— Chad Moriyama (@ChadMoriyama) April 15, 2021
Here is an interesting note, at the moment, Zach McKinstry is tied with Justin Turner for the team lead in home runs with three. Even though it is early, McKinstry has thrown his hat into the ring for National League Rookie of the Year honors.
Zach McKinstry – National League rookie ranks:
3 Home Runs (1st-tied)
11 RBI (1st-tied)
11 hits (3rd)
7 runs (3rd-tied)
1.088 OPS (1st)— Blake Harris (@BlakeHHarris) April 15, 2021
The Dodgers just keep churning out productive players that aren’t high first-round picks. From the 2016 draft, the Dodgers selected Raley in the 7th round and McKinstry in the 33rd round. Again, a tip-of-the-hat to the Dodgers Player Development staff.
The Dodgers ended up beating the Rockies 4-2 with McKinstry’s home run providing a little extra cushion.
