Dodgers Call Up 2012 Draftee Steven Rodriguez

The Los Angeles Dodgers called up P Steven Rodriguez from class AA, as reported by Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times.

Steven Rodriguez, called up from AA by #Dodgers, was pitching at U of Florida this year. Second-round draft pick.

— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) September 5, 2012

The second round (82nd overall) pick from the Dodgers is the first player of the 2012 draft to be called up. He’s expected to provide a boost in the bullpen for the major league club.

For the year, Rodriguez has only pitched 13.2 IPs for class AA Chattanooga, but posted a 1.32 ERA (two runs) and 22 Ks. He was quickly promoted from class advanced A after pitching middle relief and was considered one of the names most likely to be called up in the 2012 draft.

Rodriguez pitched for the University of Florida as recently as this year and earned first-team SEC honors. He was first drafted by the Houston Astros in 2009, but opted to attend Florida. For his three-year college career, he posted a 9-4 record, 2.19 ERA over 86 appearances and 151 Ks over the 127.2 IPs.