Carlos Frias started just two games for the Lookouts before being moved to the next level.
photo by Tim Evearitt
In case you are a fan and missed it, Carlos Frias, a member of the 2014 Lookouts' starting rotation, has jumped to the Dodgers. Frias was promoted to Triple-A Albuquerque on April 30, the same day Clayton Kershaw pitched in Chattanooga on a rehab assignment. Frias was 8-4 with the Isotope when he was called up on August 4th.
Seven years. That's how long 24-year-old Frias has waited for his first Major League opportunity.
And after seven years, he finally took a Major League mound against one of the best -- Angels first baseman Albert Pujols.
It was the eighth inning of Monday night's loss to the Angels.
Already down 5-0, it wasn't a particularly tense moment for the Dodgers, but Frias' heart was racing.
"It's huge," said Frias, the Dodgers' No. 18 prospect. "I've got to be patient now. Don't be nervous. Under control. I just said to myself, 'If you're under control, everything will be all right.'"
A few minutes later, Frias gave up his first Major League hit -- but that proved to be only a slight hiccup.
Pujols would be the only baserunner to reach against Frias, who worked two scoreless innings and struck out two Angels to finish off his debut. The rookie's performance was one of few bright spots for the Dodgers.
A starter for Double-A Chattanooga and Triple-A Albuquerque this summer, Frias found out Sunday that he'd be getting the call to the Dodgers, replacing right-hander Chris Perez, who went on the 15-day disabled list Monday with bone spurs in his right ankle.
Frias said he's comfortable pitching out of the bullpen, having pitched out of the 'pen during winter ball this past winter.
But he also gives the Dodgers some added insurance.
"Obviously, a guy like that, he's been built up to start," Mattingly said. "He's been starting all year long. If something would go wrong, an injury, or somebody couldn't make a start -- assuming that he hasn't been used for three innings the day before -- he'd be a guy who could possibly do that."
However, Mattingly said Haren and Beckett are still both in line to make their next starts.
Regardless of how Frias is used, it's clear he's thrilled for the opportunity. He even seemed pleased that Pujols got a hit off of him.
After all, he's waited seven years for that hit.
----- Source: MLB.com