Dodgers News: Dave Roberts Likes What He Sees from Recently Signed Pitcher
On Monday, Dodgers fans got their first look at right-hand pitcher Jake Pilarski. The 24-year-old Pilarski went undrafted out of college but perseverance and a trip to Tread Athletics, a baseball mechanics facility out of North Carolina, put him on the radar for the Dodgers.
He signed with LA this past December and displayed the 100 mph-plus fastball that got him signed in his first spring training game this week. After his outing, manager Dave Roberts was bullish on the performance.
Here's what he told a group of reporters including Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic.
“If he keeps pitching like this he’s going to be on the fast track. I’m excited.”
The rookie right-hander hit 101 with his fastball while striking out the side against the Colorado Rockies. He also flashed a decent secondary pitching in the appearance.
Pilarski could end up being another one of those diamond in the rough types for the Dodgers. He'll likely start the season at A-ball, but could end up in Los Angeles at some point if all goes well for him. He's a guy to keep an eye on during the season for sure.
