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The Dodgers continued on the college train on Tuesday, selecting Kentucky right-handed pitcher Zach Pop with their seventh-round selection of the 2017 MLB Draft, pick No. 220 overall.
Pop had a 3.48 ERA in 22 relief appearances as a junior at Kentucky, with 20 strikeouts and 14 walks in 20⅔ innings. Jim Callis on the MLB Draft selection show mentioned that Pop was sidelined for part of the season with a right forearm injury.
Pop was ranked No. 138 overall in our David Hood’s top 200 draft prospects, was ranked No. 178 in the Baseball America top 500, and was ranked 95th in the MLB Pipeline top 200.
Zach Pop, RHP, Kentucky ranked eighth in Kentucky, No. 178 overall. "Has a plus 94-96 mph fastball that touches 98." #Dodgers
— Baseball America (@BaseballAmerica) June 13, 2017
“In short stints, Pop works in the upper 90s and can reach 99 mph with nice sink on his fastball. In longer outings on the Cape, he operated at 92-96 mph,” read Pop’s MLB.com scouting report. “He also can overpower hitters with a slider that reaches the high 80s, though it stands out more for its velocity than its sharpness.”
Pop, a native of Brampton, Ontario, was drafted out of high school in the 23rd round in by the Blue Jays in 2014, but did not sign.
Can't thank the @Dodgers enough for the opportunity. Such a world class organization, so happy to be a part of it !
— Zach Pop (@pop_zach) June 13, 2017