The Dodgers called up right-handed pitching prospect Edgardo Henriquez for Tuesday’s game, completing a rapid ascent for the hard-throwing 22-year-old reliever. Henriquez started this season in class A Rancho Cucamonga but progressed all the way to triple-A Oklahoma City with a 2.72 ERA and 88 strikeouts in 53 innings across all levels.
Could he ever have expected to reach the big leagues before the end of the season?
“Not really,” he said with a smile in Spanish. “But with the work I was doing and all the preparation, I always had this possibility on my mind.”
Henriquez, whose fastball has been clocked as high as 104 mph, was called up in place of fellow rookie Ben Casparius. Stone was placed on the 60-day injured list to open a 40-man roster spot.
“He’s certainly a weapon,” Roberts said of Henriquez.
Whether Henriquez can be a surprise October addition — like 20-year-old relief ace Francisco Rodriguez was for the Angels during their 2002 World Series run — is less clear.
Though the Venezuelan, who was signed in 2018, won’t make his MLB debut until the final week of the season, he still would be eligible for a playoff roster spot.
The chances of the Dodgers carrying a rookie with minimal big-league experience on their postseason roster appear unlikely, but given the shorthanded state of the pitching staff, Roberts didn’t rule it out either.
“There’s a lot of guys that are up for consideration, and we’ll see if we can get him into a game and see how he looks,” Roberts said. “But certainly, arm talent, you can’t debate that.”
A Fast Track to the Majors
Henriquez’s journey to the majors has been anything but ordinary. In just one season after undergoing Tommy John surgery, he has rocketed through five levels of the Dodgers’ minor league system, showcasing an electric fastball that has consistently topped 100 mph.
Henriquez’s velocity is a key reason why the Dodgers moved him so quickly through their system, but his control has been a challenge. He has walked 12.8% of batters faced this year, but he has also struck out a whopping 38.9% of hitters, demonstrating the potential to be a dominant force in the bullpen.
A Weapon for the Playoffs?
The Dodgers have been hit hard by injuries to key pitching pieces, including Clayton Kershaw and Gavin Stone. With the playoffs just around the corner, the team is looking for any advantage they can get, and Henriquez’s raw talent could be a key factor in their success.
However, it’s a risky proposition to rely on a rookie with limited major league experience in a high-pressure playoff setting.
“It’s a variance play,” Roberts said. “Get him in here. Get him in the big leagues. And see how he looks, how he responds and go from there. But he’s certainly a weapon.”
A Story of Grit and Determination
Henriquez’s story is an inspiration. His journey to the majors is a testament to hard work, resilience, and a burning desire to succeed. Despite facing a major setback with his Tommy John surgery, he worked tirelessly to get back on the field and prove his worth to the Dodgers organization.
Now, Henriquez has a chance to make his mark on the biggest stage of them all. The Dodgers are counting on him, and if he can harness his immense talent, he could be a crucial piece in their quest for a World Series title.
The Future is Bright
Whether or not Henriquez makes an immediate impact in the playoffs, one thing is clear: the future is bright for the young fireballer. He has the potential to be a dominant force in the major leagues for years to come. The Dodgers have a diamond in the rough, and they’re ready to see him shine.
