2018 Dodgers Review: Zach Neal

The Dodgers signed right-handed pitcher Zach Neal on January 18, 2018 to a minor league contract and he was also invited to spring training. Neal started the season at Oklahoma City but then on April 3rd, the Dodgers selected his contract.

Neal’s stay was short, he was designated for assignment on April 5th and then he was sent outright to Oklahoma City on April 6th.

On April 17, 2018, the Cincinnati Reds traded right-handed pitcher Ariel Hernandez to the Dodgers for Neal and infielder Ibandel Isabel.

Neal would return to the Dodger organization on July 4, 2018 when the Reds traded Neal and right-handed pitcher Dylan Floro to the Dodgers for two right-handed pitchers, James Marinan and Aneurys Zabala.

Neal would finish the season at Oklahoma City and then on October 11, 2018, he elected to become a free agent.

What went right

When Neal returned to Oklahoma City in July, he is used primarily as a starting pitcher. In 11 starts, Neal pitched 53⅔ innings with a 3.35 ERA and 39 strikeouts.

What went wrong

Neal gave up 10 home runs in 39⅔ innings when he pitched for the Louisville Bats, the Reds Triple-A affiliate.

2018 particulars

Age: 30

Stats: For the Los Angeles Dodgers - 1 game, 1 inning, 1 run, 1 home run.

Game of the year

As it was his only major league appearance in 2018, I feel I must choose is April 3rd appearance at Arizona. As noted above, he pitched one inning and gave up John Ryan Murphy’s solo homer.

Neal also had a six scoreless innings start for Oklahoma City on August 18, 2018. He struck out season high seven batters and gave up just three hits.

Roster status

As noted above, Neal elected to become a free agent. Ken Rosenthal reports that Neal has signed to play in Japan next season.