Dodgers Prospect Spends Time With Young Ballplayers at High School Camp

Dodgers prospect Jacob Amaya is at his alma mater for a two-day baseball camp with young ballplayers from the West Covina area.

When Trea Turner signed with the Phillies this offseason, it created an opening at shortstop for the Dodgers. The most likely starter right now seems to be Gavin Lux, who was a shortstop in the minors but has played mostly second base in the big leagues. L.A. could also go outside the organization if someone like Willy Adames becomes available in a trade.

A third, less likely option is Jacob Amaya, a minor-leaguer who is on the 40-man roster and plays a sweet defensive shortstop. Amaya's bat isn't quite ready for the big leagues, probably, but he posted an .870 OPS at Double-A last year and has shown promise that his bat will catch up to his glove.

On Tuesday, Amaya's bat and glove were both at South Hills High School in West Covina, his alma mater, where he took part in a youth baseball camp as a guest instructor.

2022 South Hills Baseball Camp
Special Guest Jacob Amaya SS Los Angeles Dodgers doing drills that was once taught to him as a kid and giving the knowledge he has gained as a professional ball player. Thank U ALL for the support. It's all about the youth and giving back. pic.twitter.com/x4msAnAj2W

— ⚾BASEBALL is LIFE⚾ (@robertamaya21) December 27, 2022

Over 70 kids showed up for the camp, which continues on Wednesday for its second and final day. The 24-year-old Amaya was a star at South Hills before being drafted by the Dodgers in the 11th round in 2017. Amaya's grandfather, Frank, spent five years in the minor leagues in the 1950s, most of it in the Dodgers organization.

What a great opportunity for these youngsters to spend time with a professional ballplayer. It's great to see Amaya, with all the excitement of the offseason, taking time to remember where he came from and give back to the kids.