Fansided

One prospect each MLB team should call up right now

By Joshua Sadlock

MONTREAL, QC - MARCH 27: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. #27 of the Toronto Blue Jays reacts after hitting a walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals during the MLB preseason game at Olympic Stadium on March 27, 2018 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Toronto Blue Jays defeated the St. Louis Cardinals 1-0. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
MONTREAL, QC - MARCH 27: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. #27 of the Toronto Blue Jays reacts after hitting a walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals during the MLB preseason game at Olympic Stadium on March 27, 2018 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Toronto Blue Jays defeated the St. Louis Cardinals 1-0. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images) /
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MONTERREY, MEXICO – MAY 6: Alex Verdugo #61 of the Los Angeles Dodgers warms-up prior to the game against the San Diego Padres at Estadio de Béisbol Monterrey on Sunday, May 6, 2018 in Monterrey, Mexico. (Photo by Roberto Maya/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
MONTERREY, MEXICO – MAY 6: Alex Verdugo #61 of the Los Angeles Dodgers warms-up prior to the game against the San Diego Padres at Estadio de Béisbol Monterrey on Sunday, May 6, 2018 in Monterrey, Mexico. (Photo by Roberto Maya/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /

Los Angeles Dodgers: Alex Verdugo

With Walker Buehler firmly establishing himself in the Los Angeles Dodgers rotation, fans can focus their attention on demanding the arrival of another much-ballyhooed prospect who has not been given a chance to stick in the big leagues. Alex Verdugo cannot be kept down in the minor leagues much longer, especially not with the Dodgers hovering below .500 with an offense that can get stagnant at times.

Corey Seager’s injury has turned Chris Taylor back into a shortstop and elevated Joc Pederson into a full-time starter in center field. Yasiel Puig is still entrenched in right field. Together, Pederson and Puig have delivered production that has barely been above replacement level. Pederson has hit .248/.343/.397 on the year, while Puig is down at .230/.295/.385. The Dodgers cannot allow these two much more time to attempt to figure it out.

Verdugo debuted last season and was up with the big club briefly in 2018. He was sent back to Triple-A to start this year because there was no full-time spot available. Verdugo has proven over and over that he is a polished hitter and has one of the best outfield arms in the minor leagues. Last season, he drew 52 walks against only 50 strikeouts for Oklahoma City.

The Dodgers are going to have to make a decision soon regarding Puig and Pederson’s status in the starting lineup. This is the final year of Puig’s contract, and there is no reason to believe he still figures into the long-term plan in Los Angeles. If he does not start hitting soon, do not be surprised if Verdugo is called up to take his spot on the roster.

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