Jonny DeLuca to make MLB debut
The outfielder was called up to the majors ahead of Sunday's series finale.
Jonny DeLuca has added another feat to his fantastic 2023: his first major-league call up. The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya first broke the news Saturday night that DeLuca will be joining the Dodgers as Trayce Thompson hits the injured list.
After what appeared to be a breakout 2022 season, DeLuca has taken his game to a whole new level in 2023. He played 25 games in his first Double-A stint last year before an injury ended his season prematurely in early August. He came back for 2022 fresh and ready to dominate, which is exactly what he did in the Texas League.
In his first 32 games of the season, DeLuca was the Tulsa Drillers’ everyday leadoff hitter, a role in which he excelled. DeLuca slashed .279/.380/.590, homering 10 times in just 122 at-bats. Among other adjustments, DeLuca was pulling the ball more than ever before, and it translated to massive success.
DeLuca posted a 154 wRC+ in Tulsa, meaning he was a 54% better than the league average hitter. Paired with his good speed and defense across all three outfield spots, DeLuca had done everything required to earn his first Triple-A promotion. He headed to Oklahoma City and made his Pacific Coast League debut on May 16.
Even at the new level, DeLuca has not skipped a beat in his production. Through his first 16 Triple-A games, the outfielder has slashed .315/.375/.548 with eight extra-base hits. Additionally, he has gone 3-for-3 on stolen base attempts, bringing his total on the year to 12 between both levels.
The biggest key about DeLuca’s season and what influenced this quick major-league promotion is how well he has done against left-handed pitching. DeLuca posted a fantastic 1.001 OPS against southpaws last season and has still managed to improve that clip in 2023. Between Tulsa and Oklahoma City, he is slashing .362/.423/.681 when facing lefties.
Offense against left-handed starters has been an issue for the Dodgers this year. Trayce Thompson has been making platoon starts in those games, but overall struggles as well as reverse splits have limited his production. DeLuca will immediately plug into the lineup in Los Angeles every time they face a lefty and he could provide a much needed boost to the offense in those matchups.
Another positive about DeLuca’s profile is the value he provides off the bench. Even when he is not in the lineup, DeLuca’s speed and defensive capabilities make him an asset late in games as a pinch runner or defensive replacement. Even in games where a right-hander is on the mound and DeLuca is benched, he could contribute in the final innings as a pinch hitter or specialized replacement.
How long DeLuca stays in the majors will depend on a multitude of factors. First and foremost, DeLuca will have to perform in his role starting in the outfield against lefties. Another consideration is how long Trayce Thompson will be on the shelf as well as how long the Dodgers are willing to wait out his struggles. If Thompson is out for significant time with his strained oblique and DeLuca takes advantage of this opportunity, the Dodgers may be forced to choose between the two once Thompson is healthy. They are too similar of players to both be on the roster, and Thompson’s scuffling at the plate this season could end up giving DeLuca an extended look.
Can’t wait to see him play! Great job of detailing what we can expect from him as he moves up to the big league club!