Dodgers extend partnership with Class-A Rancho Cucamonga through 2018

LOS ANGELES — The Dodgers late Thursday announced that they have extended their player development contract with advanced Class-A Rancho Cucamonga for two more seasons, through 2018.

The Dodgers switched their California League affiliation from Inland Empire to Rancho Cucamonga in 2011. The Quakes won the Cal League championship in 2015.

"The Dodgers are a historic franchise in Major League baseball and the Quakes are proud to continue our partnership with them," said Quakes managing partner Bobby Brett.

With this agreement, the Dodgers have extended their minor league affiliations with their top four levels, including Triple-A Oklahoma City, Double-A Tulsa and Class-A Great Lakes, all through 2018. The club’s agreement with rookie-level Ogden in the Pioneer League expires after the 2016 season.

"We are extremely happy to continue our partnership with the Quakes for two more years", said Dodgers player development director Gabe Kapler. "Grant, Brent, their staff, the city of Rancho Cucamonga and Quakes fans work together to create an atmosphere and environment that helps our players develop every day. We are confident that our affiliation will continue to produce outstanding Dodgers player for years to come."

LoanMart Field is just 48 miles from Dodger Stadium, and the proximity makes Rancho Cucamonga ideal for many minor league rehab assignments. This year the Dodgers have had a National League-record 26 players on the disabled list, and 11 of them have played this year for Rancho Cucamonga while on a rehab assignment, including relief pitcher Casey Fien, who pitched a scoreless inning on Thursday night.

This year has also been unique in that two players who began the season in Rancho Cucamonga -- outfielder Andrew Toles and pitcher Brock Stewart — have each advanced two minor league levels and played for the major league Dodgers in 2016.