Dodgers' Forgotten Prospect Finally Gets His Shot

4 min read Post on May 15, 2025

Dodgers' Forgotten Prospect Finally Gets His Shot

The Long and Winding Road to the Majors

Early Career and Setbacks

Michael Busch was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 13th round of the 2019 MLB draft. His early minor league career showed flashes of brilliance, but it wasn't without its challenges. He consistently hit for average in the lower levels but struggled with power and consistency at higher levels. His progress was hampered by injuries, most notably a hamstring strain in 2021 that sidelined him for a significant portion of the season. These setbacks, combined with the sheer depth of talent within the Dodgers' farm system, led to Busch often being overlooked. He was a solid player, always performing well, but often lost within the overwhelming amount of prospects within the organization.

Drafted: 13th round, 2019 MLB Draft
Key Minor League Stats: Consistently high batting averages (.280-.300 range) in Low-A and High-A, but lower power numbers than initially projected. Struggled to consistently hit for average at Double-A.
Injuries: 2021 hamstring strain significantly impacted his season.
Overlooked: Frequently overshadowed by higher-profile prospects within the Dodgers' farm system, leading to periods where he seemed to be forgotten by many.

A Change in Fortune: Why Now?

Roster Moves and Opportunities

Busch's call-up is a direct result of a confluence of factors. The Dodgers have recently experienced a string of injuries, particularly at the second base position, creating an unexpected opening. Max Muncy's recent injury created a need for a versatile infielder, and Busch's ability to play both second and third base made him an attractive option. This, combined with a recent trade that depleted the Dodgers' bench depth, pushed Busch to the forefront. The Dodgers' front office clearly recognized his consistent performance in Triple-A and decided he deserved a chance.

Injuries: Several key infielders have been sidelined due to injuries, opening a spot on the roster.
Recent Trades: A recent trade affected the depth chart, making the team more reliant on their minor league depth.
Managerial Approach: The Dodgers appear to be embracing a more aggressive strategy of promoting top-performing minor leaguers to fill gaps.

Skills and Potential: What to Expect

Strengths and Weaknesses

Busch is known for his exceptional contact hitting and ability to get on base. His high batting average consistently demonstrates his keen eye at the plate, making him a valuable asset in the leadoff position. While his power numbers are still developing, his speed on the basepaths offers additional offensive capabilities. Defensively, he’s shown solid fundamentals but needs to improve his range and reaction time.

Strengths: High batting average, excellent on-base percentage, good speed.
Weaknesses: Power potential needs development, needs to improve defensive range.
Comparisons: His style is often compared to that of a contact-oriented second baseman, with potential to grow into more power as his MLB experience grows.

Impact on the Dodgers' Season

Immediate Contributions and Long-Term Implications

Busch's immediate impact will likely center around his ability to provide solid at-bats and reliable defense. His presence provides valuable depth to the Dodgers' infield and increases the flexibility of their lineup. In the long term, his development will be crucial to the Dodgers' future success. A successful stint in the majors could make him a valuable contributor for years to come.

Addresses Team Needs: His on-base skills and defensive versatility address the current needs created by injuries.
Impact on Playing Time: His presence will likely affect the playing time of other infielders, creating a competitive environment within the team.
Future Potential: His performance will determine his role within the organization and if he becomes a regular starter.

Conclusion

Michael Busch's journey from a relatively unknown Dodgers prospect to a major leaguer is a compelling story of perseverance and opportunity. His consistent performance, combined with a series of fortunate events, has finally given him his long-awaited chance to shine at the highest level. The impact he will have on the Dodgers' season and their playoff chances remains to be seen, but his potential is undeniable. Keep an eye on this rising Dodgers' prospect; don't miss Michael Busch's MLB debut and follow the journey of this forgotten Dodgers' prospect as he strives for greatness. He's a testament to the depth of the Dodgers' farm system and proof that even overlooked prospects can still make their mark in the big leagues.