Former USC Pitcher Shockingly Called Up to MLB By Dodgers

Really awesome opportunity for the former Trojan!

Former USC Trojans pitcher Kyle Hurt is getting his dream of becoming a big leaguer realized after a few years working in the minor leagues. The Los Angeles Dodgers have called him up to help assist them with the final few weeks of the MLB season, per Jeff Passan of MLB.

Hurt was drafted back in the 2020 MLB Draft in the fifth round by the Miami Marlins. Hurt was traded to Los Angeles in early 2021 in the deal that also netted LA pitcher Alex Vesia.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are calling up Kyle Hurt, a RHP prospect with the highest strikeout rate in the minors this year, sources tell ESPN. Monster fastball, tons of swing-and-miss on secondaries and 145 Ks in 88.1 innings between AA and AAA. He'll work out of the bullpen.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) September 12, 2023

Now Hurt gets his chances to show the Dodgers what he can do after performing very well in Triple-A Oklahoma City. In six games, he posted an ERA of 3.09, but it’s his ability to strike people out that has LA intrigued. In 23.1 innings of work at Triple-A, Hurt struck out 35 batters.

During his time in Double-A, the former Trojan struck out 110 batters over 65 innings of work. Hurt held an ERA of 4.15 over 19 games during this time. His strikeout rate led the minor leagues.

Hurt is the Dodgers No. 12 ranked prospect, per MLB Pipeline. The right-handed pitcher is an absolute flamethrower who should be able to help the Dodgers down the stretch of the season.

If he can have a successful showing for LA, he could be included in the postseason roster, as the team needs all the pitching help that they can get.

We wish Hurt good luck on his big-league debut! Once a Trojan, always a Trojan!