2016 MLB Draft results: Dodgers take LHP Devin Smeltzer in the 5th round

The Dodgers went with Texas junior college left-hander Devin Smeltzer as their fifth-round selection in the 2016 MLB Draft, the No. 161 overall pick.

The 6'2 left-hander led San Jacinto College North to the National Junior College World Series as a sophomore in 2016, though they lost in the final game last Saturday to Yavapai College (coincidentally, the former school of Dodgers' 2015 fourth-round pick Willie Calhoun). Smeltzer was named to the All-Tournament team, after striking out 20 in a 140-pitch effort in the national semifinal last Friday.

The Padres drafted Smeltzer out of high school in New Jersey in the 33rd round in 2014, but he did not sign. He played for Florida Gulf Coast University in 2015 before transferring to San Jacinto.

Smeltzer is committed to play next year at Texas Tech if he doesn't turn pro.

"I'd love to get started on my pro career," Smeltzer told Phil Anastasia of the Philadelphia Inquirer. "But I'll be excited to go to Texas Tech, too. I'm going to be happy either way."

Smeltzer is a cancer survivor and inspired an annual fundraiser baseball camp called "Swing For the Cure."

Smeltzer was rated No. 169 in David Hood's top 200 draft prospects, ranked 244th in the Baseball America top 500, and wasn't listed in the MLB Pipeline top 200.

Hood did have the Dodgers selecting Smeltzer in his mock draft on Thursday, but in the seventh round:

Smeltzer’s stuff hasn’t taken much of a step forward since being a Perfect Game All American two years ago, and still throws in the upper 80’s. His best pitch is a change-up that dives away from right handers. His slider will pop out of hand, but should be a problem for left handers from his arm angle.

Baseball America noted, "His fastball works in the upper 80s and sneaks into the low 90s when he needs a little extra oomph."

The slot bonus for the No. 161 pick is $331,100.

Twitter: @alka_SMELTZer