The Los Angeles Dodgers were quite busy at the July 31st trade deadline, subsequently, there was room for movement within the farm system. Robinson Ortiz has moved into the forefront of a top prospect list that needed new members. The 18-year-old left-handed pitcher is impressive on the mound with his stuff, and his maturity and poise. Until just recently, Ortiz had not pitched in the United States, with all innings last season coming in the Dominican Summer League. An introduction to Robinson Ortiz is needed for some Dodger fans.
Newest Top 30 Prospect
The Dominican southpaw features a plus fastball, which reaches the low 90’s and can touch 94. The fastball becomes even more impressive when combined with the movement that all his pitches seem to have. There is a bit of “run” or tailing action to his fastball. His change-up is another plus pitch and is according to Ortiz, “one of my favorite pitches because of the control I have over it.” Robinson is in the midst of developing a curve as well.
The #Dodgers have announced that they have signed 17-year-old Dominican left-hander Robinson Ortiz to a minor… https://t.co/htid6TQOSP
— Dodgers-LowDown (@DodgersLowDown) June 6, 2017
Robinson Ortiz
Robinson’s journey with the Dodgers began in early June of 2017 when he signed a minor league contract with Los Angeles. Last season he pitched in the Dominican Summer League and made an impression with his raw talent and mastery of multiple pitches. In his time at Campo Las Palmas, Ortiz compiled 37.1 innings pitched. His WHIP was 1.02 while opposing batters hit only .229 against the lefty. Robinson had an ERA of 3.13 with a two wins versus two loss record. He added 35 strikeouts to only five walks.
A bunch of new additions to the Dodgers top 30 as well, including Diego Cartaya, Gerardo Carrillo, Michael Grove, Robinson Ortiz, Marshall Kasowski, and more
— Future Dodgers (@FutureDodgers) July 26, 2018
Prospect Chat
Ortiz is energetic and full of enthusiasm. His smile beams brightly. His pitching coach, Luis Meza, describes his protégé in this way, “he takes the games real serious, but he also understands the game is a game.” Meza continued, “he has the ability to throw three pitches for strikes.” When speaking with his Manager, Mark Kertenian, the skipper talks about the way Ortiz “thrives on his coaching.” I asked the young farmhand about being on the top 30 prospect list. I wanted to know if there was any added pressure to be on the list. Through an interpreter, “he is glad to be on the list now because he is working hard so that is a payoff of it.”
The future for Ortiz is a bright one with his mix of pitches and maturity. 2019 will be an interesting year for the Dominican, he will face tougher competition. If all goes well he should see time in Ogden and possibly Great Lakes in the coming season. Health and development are important factors for Ortiz. It will be exciting to see him progress.
Main Photo
Embed from Getty Images
