MLB Draft 2016: Dodgers take Memphis OF Darien Tubbs in 16th round

The Dodgers in the 16th round of the 2016 MLB Draft took Memphis junior outfielder Darien Tubbs with pick No. 491 overall.

Tubbs hit .304/.379/.441 with 12 doubles, five triples and three home runs in 57 games in 2016, leading Memphis in both walks (26) and stolen bases (22), the latter in just 24 attempts.

The 5'9 Tubbs bats right-handed and throws left-handed, and he started 156 games in center field in his three years in school, and stole 66 bases.

"We inserted Darien into the pressure-packed leadoff spot day one of his freshmen year," said Memphis head coach Daron Schoenrock. "He withstood several ups and downs in his freshmen campaign and to see the player he has grown into three years later, makes all of us in Tiger Baseball proud. He is ready to launch the next step of his baseball career and possess the tools and makeup to excel at the professional level. All of Darien's hard work will serve him well and we wish him the best."

Tubbs is the son of former major league outfielder Greg Tubbs, who was drafted by the Braves in the 22nd round in 1984 and played 35 games for the Reds in 1993. The elder Tubbs, who hit .186/.351/.237 in 74 plate appearances, is one of just three major league players since 1901 with a career batting average under .200 and on-base percentage of at least .350 in at least 50 plate appearances.

Tubbs wasn't drafted out of high school, but his coach Butch Chaffin predicted big things three years ago, per Craig Delk of the Herald-Citizen:

"10’s work ethic in the off season has been the difference," he said, referencing Tubbs’ jersey number. "He is one of the strongest kids at CHS and he is all business when it is time to work. It would be easy for him to rest on his merits so far, but he doesn’t. He has put in hours and extra hours working on his swing and his arm strength and turned himself into a draft pick. I have no doubt in my mind that he will play professional baseball."

Looks like Chaffin knew what he was talking about.

Thank you everyone for the love and support! I owe it all to my family, coaches, my friends and the @Dodgers for this special opportunity!

— Darien Tubbs (@dtubbs51) June 11, 2016

Twitter: @dtubbs51