Grove Makes MLB Debut in Dodger Blue Against Phillies

3.2 innings of Major League ball are now under right-handed starter Michael Grove’s belt.

Grove, a Wheeling, W.Va. native, spent every pitch of his college eligibility at Monongalia County Ballpark, but had his potential on the mound cut short. He underwent Tommy John surgery after only making nine starts in 2017, but that didn’t seem to matter for Los Angeles Dodgers scouts. Grove was drafted in the second round of the 2018 MLB Draft, No. 68.

He spent a season in Advanced-A ball with the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, accumulating a 0-5 record and a 6.10 ERA through 21 games. As is usual with the low-affiliate minors, Grove’s first season stats were forgiven. He moved up to AA when live sports returned in 2021. His season and a half with the Tulsa Drillers produced a 1-5 record through 26 games. 2022 alone, he lowered his ERA to 2.76 through 16.1 innings. He cut his starting pitcher teeth on 24 Double-A appearances before getting the call-up to the Majors earlier today.

The injury-related relegations of Clayton Kershaw and Andrew Heaney left Dodgers manager Dave Roberts in dire need of arms against the Philadelphia Phillies. In their time of need, Grove became the first player that Los Angeles President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman has ever brought up directly from Double-A to the 40-man. The move adds a third Mountaineer pitching product to the Major Leagues this season. Grove follows former teammate Alek Manoah (Toronto) and John Means (Baltimore) in MLB mound appearances this season.

Grove spent 3.2 innings on the bump today, accruing four unearned runs on as many hits, three walks, and three strikeouts. His opening inning of work, he sat the Phillies down in order. All things considered, a solid starter to a Major League career. Roberts has been cited as acknowledging Grove’s potential as a bullpen guy or long-term middle reliever as he continues to mature.

Welcome to The Show, @mgrove_2! pic.twitter.com/pz395M6IFa

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) May 15, 2022