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![Kyle Hart](https://dodgerblue-com.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Kyle-Hurt.jpeg?strip=all&lossy=1&ssl=1)
Gary A. Vasquez/USA TODAY Sports
Kyle Hart is one of the Los Angeles Dodgers expected to make his MLB debut during the 2023 season, and his chance to show off his power will come at the end of the year.
Hart started for the Double-A Tulsa Drillers, pitching 65 innings and posting a 4.15 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, and 3.42 FIP. He turned 25 in the middle of the year and was promoted to Triple-A Oklahoma City in August.
When the Dodgers expanded their active roster in the final month of the regular season, the Dodgers rewarded Hart by calling him up for his debut on September 12th. His impressive performance in two innings sparked talk that Hart could be an option in the Dodgers’ bullpen. He qualified for the postseason, but was not a contender due to options before that.
Nevertheless, Hart soaked up the chance to join the Dodgers’ roster for the first time in his career.
“The last 24 hours have been pretty crazy, to be honest,” he said in September. “I got a call quite late. [Monday] At night, a triple-A manager from Trav told me he was coming here. It was very exciting. I sat up and thought for a while. But it felt really good.
“It was really cool. It was a long day of travel, but it was great to be on that field.”
Hart returned to OKC and would later win the 2023 Branch Rickey Award, which recognizes the organization’s most outstanding minor league season.
Overall, Hart had a MiLB-high 152 strikeouts in 92 innings and posted a .205 batting average.
Hart’s only major league game was against the San Diego Padres. After Lance Lynn pitched a strong seventh inning, Hart was asked to finish the game.
Facing Fernando Tatis Jr., Juan Soto and Manny Machado, Hart took them out in order with just 11 pitches.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts sent Hart out in the ninth inning, and Hart struck out.
Outlook for 2024
Hart is expected to be on the Dodgers’ radar for some time this season, but the only sticking point remains how the team views him.
Hart’s ability to go multiple innings is a valuable tool, and when combined with his high-octane arsenal, he becomes a solid player. The Dodgers could also keep him in Triple-A to further strengthen his repertoire after he finds success in 2023.
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