Dodgers News: Dave Roberts Praises Kyle Hurt After Impressive MLB Debut

Could not ask for a better start.

Shockingly called up from the minors to pitch in Tuesday night's game, newest Dodger rookie pitcher Kyle Hurt impressed many in his first opportunity at the MLB levels. 

Relieving Lance Lynn's seven strong innings of work, Hurt was efficient and didn't skip a beat according to his new manager Dave Roberts. 

“The way he performed, it was really special,” Roberts said. “Just didn’t run from the moment. And it’s a lane, a run of hitters that he’ll remember forever. It doesn’t get any better or tougher than that.”

“The way he performed it was really special… just didn’t run from the moment.” Dave Roberts on Kyle Hurt’s big leagues debut. pic.twitter.com/bGyTKHQ5nl

— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) September 13, 2023

Coming into the game, Hurt pitched a clean eighth inning in 1-2-3 fashion, sitting down Fernando Tatis Jr., Juan Soto and Manny Machado in order. 

Emerging for the ninth inning for an encore, Hurt finished his night on just 24 pitches after eliciting three straight swinging strikeouts to slam the door and punctuate a dominant Dodgers victory against the Padres. 

Making Garrett Cooper, Trent Grisham and Matthew Batten look like the minor leaguers he was just facing days ago, Hurt certainly brought the pain to San Diego's hitting core after retiring all six batters he faced. 

Leading the minors in strikeout rate, it was a surprising move to see Hurt brought in to aid the pen rather than the many veteran options the Dodgers have at their disposal, yet the choice proved to be the right one. 

Hurt's role to the end the season was described by manager Dave Roberts as simply bullpen help to get the veteran arms he's been missing some much needed rest. 

In this audition, Hurt may have proved that he needs an extensive look to possibly be on the postseason roster in just a few weeks with such a performance. 

On a night where the Dodgers celebrated their first baseman Freddie Freeman's 34th birthday in style, Hurt closed the affair in the best possible way.