MLB Draft 2017: Dodgers pick RHP Connor Strain in 9th round

The Dodgers continued their college-heavy Tuesday, picking Evansville right-hander Connor Strain with their ninth-round selection in the 2017 MLB Draft, pick No. 280 overall.

Strain is the first college senior the Dodgers have drafted this year. The fifth-year senior was 2-5 with a 2.62 ERA in 14 starts in 2017, with 68 strikeouts and 38 walks in 68⅔ innings.

He missed the bulk of 2016 with a forearm strain.

Evansville coach Wes Carroll described Strain’s repertoire in February to Daniel Allar of the Courier Press:

“He throws a heavy sinker, 91 to 93 (mph). It feels like a bowling ball when you try to hit it,” Carroll said. “The key for him is he was able to get his offspeed over for a strike to feed off it. His ground ball to fly ball ratio is off the charts and being a ground-ball pitcher, you’re going to have a lot of success.”

Strain was not listed on any of the prospect lists, unranked in our David Hood’s top 200 draft prospects, not a part of the Baseball America top 500, and not mentioned in the MLB Pipeline top 200.

He was not drafted out of high school.

The slot value for the No. 280 overall pick is $138,800, though given that Strain is a senior one would imagine he would sign for below slot.