Thanks to his relatives I learned that Dutch pitcher Misja Harcksen was promoted by the Los Angeles Dodgers. But unlike earlier expectations, Misja has been promoted to the Ogden Raptors (high Rookie, Pioneer League).
Just like last year, Misja spent most of the season in Glendale AZ with the AZL Dodgers. With the AZL Dodgers, Misja had a rough start. In his first game, a relief appearance, Misja was roughed up for three runs on four hits in just 1.1 innings. But since he recovered very well afterwards, you can call that outing a false start.
During the AZL season, rumors flared up that Misja had missed a promotion to the Great Lakes Loons due to another pitcher that got his last chance. Because of that, the expectations that with Misja’s upcoming promotion, he would go to the Midwest League (also because the Dodgers do not have a team in A Short Season).
Since his bad start earlier this season, Misja has lowered his ERA significantly. In his last ten outings, it went down from 7.36 to 3.86 as he posted an 2.93 ERA over the last ten games. He has kept his opponents to an average of .246; not bad but there is room for improvement there for sure.
We will have to wait if his numbers will be as good in Ogden, since that town is located at an high altitude (4,301 feet / 1,310 meters). With the thinner air, hit balls will travel further. But the circumstances are similar to those of the Arizona League as the dry desert air in that League also makes balls travel further.
Also thanks to his good performance, the AZL Dodgers are leading the Central Division of the Arizona League with a winning percentage of .685 (24-11), 1.5 game over the AZL Indians.
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