No not Mark Timmons, nor Mark Prior, nor Mark Fidrych, or Mark McGwire
The Mark to whom I refer is right-hander Mark Washington of the Tulsa Drillers, perhaps soon to be of the OKC Dodgers. He was born in Glen Mills, attended high school at Episcopal Academy in Merion, and attended university at Lehigh University. All three locations are in his home state of Pennsylvania.
He was selected by the Dodgers in the 25th round of the 2017 First-Year Player Draft following his junior year at Lehigh. His selection was the 760th in that draft.
Like many young aspiring ball players, Mark Washington has had his challenges along the way starting in high school.
“My journey has been rocky starting in high school with my mother passing away in 2013 during my junior year,” shared Washington. “Ever since that day, I have developed a greater appreciation for life and for baseball. I have been motivated to live life to the fullest, be happy and work hard, while baseball has given me an outlet to do something I love doing.”
His junior year at Lehigh in 2017 was limited to 16 innings and was cut short by shoulder surgery. However, in his sophomore year in 2016, he had carved out a season that resonated, at least with the Dodgers, in the 2017 draft.
During the 2016 season, he made 13 appearances, including six starts, leading the Mountain Hawks with a 1.80 ERA and tied for the team lead with six victories. He allowed just 35 hits and nine earned runs over 45 innings pitched while holding opposing hitters to a .220 batting average. His 1.80 ERA is ranked fourth all-time on the program’s single-season ERA leader’s list. His walk total of 27 that season did top his strikeout total of 24.
Washington did not hesitate to sign with the Dodgers following the draft willing to forgo his senior year at Lehigh. As much as he treasured his time with the Mountain Hawks, the call of Dodger Blue was too strong for Lehigh Brown. The first thing former Lehigh baseball player Mark Washington did when he was drafted was to go to the shopping mall. He and his dad needed to pick up some important items to start his professional career. That is some LA Dodgers gear.
“It’s a dream-come-true type of situation,” Washington said. “I’ve always wanted to do this, I’ve always wanted to play professional baseball and it’s a once-in-a-lifetime type of thing that I couldn’t pass up.”
This from his college coach.
“What’s unique about Mark (Washington) is that his best days are still ahead of him,” Lehigh coach Sean Leary said. “When I talked with scouts, they would talk to me not about drafting him to fill an organizational need, but when they talked about Mark (Washington), it was more, ‘I’m really excited to see where he’s going to be when he’s 24.”
He turned 25 in March and we can only guess what the non-season in 2020 had on Washington and his age 24 year. However, he has been consistent in his climb up the ladder towards MLB.
The 6/7”/205 lb. Washington debuted with the Arizona League Dodgers on July 24, 2017 against the AZL Padres pitching two scoreless innings. In eight games with the AZL Dodgers – three starts – he posted a 1.96 ERA over 23 innings with 25 strikeouts and three walks.
During the 2018 season, he made two pit stops, one in Ogden and one in Midland. With the Raptors in the Pioneer Rookie League, he pitched 21.2 innings with a 3.32 ERA along with 19 strikeouts and nine walks. In his stint with the Great Lakes Loons in the Midwest League, he pitched another 18.1 innings with a 2.95 ERA while striking out 13 and walking nine.
Washington returned to Great Lakes in 2019 and spent the entire season with the Loons. His ERA of 2.97 over 39.1 innings pitched demonstrated his consistency over his minor league career. He posted a WHIP of 1.07 while striking out 43 and walking 19. Other than his three starts in his first season with the AZL Dodgers he has pitched in relief.
During the current season with the Tulsa Drillers he has pitched 22.2 innings over 14 appearances. He has posted a 1.19 ERA and a 0.93 WHIP while striking out 19 and walking six. In June in 12.1 innings he has struck out 13 and walked 3.
Mark Washington is one of those guys who just keeps coming and a bit unexpectedly. Up until now, he has been pretty much invisible although 6’7” on the mound is a bit difficult to miss. He doesn’t seem to overpower but also seems to be a guy who knows how to pitch in various situations. As Mark Timmons mentioned on Friday, he has a 94-95 MPH fastball, a nice change, and a decent slider. His K/BB ratio has continued to improve as has the command of his pitches. His pitching philosophy is simple and effective.
“I just try to attack with the fastball and get ahead with the fastball early in counts,” explained Washington. “After that I’ll mix in my breaking ball or changeup depending on if they’re a lefty or righty. Basically I attack with the fastball early and finish with the off-speed.”
“My changeup has definitely developed more,” said Washington. “Last year I didn’t throw it much. But this year I’m confident throwing it to both lefties and righties, so yeah it’s developed quite a bit.”
Washington has adapted to his role in the pen and likes the challenges that role brings.
“I like that you get to just go out there and eat up a few innings,” stated Washington. “You don’t have to go out there and pace yourself. You get to go out there and focus on getting quick outs.”
What else is there to know about Mark Washington? Michael Schwab, one of his university teammates , said the culture of Lehigh baseball and Lehigh athletics itself would also aid Washington in his pursuit of a professional baseball career.
“I think it’s our culture that is going to ground him,” Schwab said. “This is a place that’s a lot different than professional baseball. It’s a very blue-collar, mentally tough attitude that serves you well no matter what you decide to do in life. Mark (Washington) definitely has that, and I think that’s what’s going to make the difference between him and another pitcher. They might have the same stuff, but Mark (Washington) is tougher.”
Discussion (30)
Disagree, not disagreeable
Kenley is now 15th All-time in saves. Rollie Fingers is the next to be passed by KJ
Had to watch the Giant postgame show in Northern CA and they said Bauer threw 72 Four seam FBs in his start in SF and tonight threw just 15. His RPMs on his four-seam was down by over 300 RPMs.
The no sticky rule is impacting Bauer’s four seamer that he gets a lot of punch outs up in the zone.
If you want more offense in baseball take away the shift.
Giants will be kicking themselves with that loss.
Treinen and kenley getting it done.
Wow what an exciting game. Kept me on the edge of my chair all the way through. Bullpen did a heckuva job, And Bauer really battled
Gray threw a simulated game.
Did Mookie not run out of the box on what should have been a double. I’ve noticed earlier this week he also jogged to first base on an infield out that was bobbled by the second baseman that had be been running hard I think he may have beat it out.
Protecting a tight muscle or just not hustling? Inquiring minds want to know.
Why is pollock in this game? Do we miss Joc? Yes pollock has no fire he looks like he is just going through the motions. He looks helpless against the giants. My gosh put mckinstry in the lineup against right ganders. I think this is why AF went after yoshi he just hasn’t panned out.
I hope Lux is reading this site.
Go the other way, go the other way, go the other way
I love the home run but let’s string some hits together
Bauer doesn’t have his best stuff but he’s battling
And while this probably won’t help Hodges and Wills, a former Dodger PR boss has just been named president of the Hall of Fame.
https://baseballhall.org/news/josh-rawitch-named-hall-of-fame-president
I’ll say it again: Unless Lux proves he can hit lefties, his destiny is as a platoon utility guy. With his speed, he should be getting reps in the OF. In the infield, quickness is more important than speed. In the outfield, speed > quickness.
Lux could be a terrific outfielder. So what if he’s not the next Seager or Belli, but turns out to be the left-handed-hitting version of Chris Taylor.
And I’m impressed with Bear’s multitasking. I’d be rooting for young Harrison Ford to lead Missippi State to a comeback victory.
Jimmy Nelson has reinvented himself as a bullpen ace:
https://blogs.fangraphs.com/jimmy-nelson-has-reinvented-himself-as-a-bullpen-ace/
Belt to 10 day IL, has damage to his knee. Ketel Marte to 10 day IL. Angels transferring Trout to 60 day IL. Eligible to come off on the 17th of July. Dodgers not expecting Seager until after All Star Break. Old friend Scott Schebler recalled by the Angels. Watching Blade Runner. Still a great movie. Vandy leading Mississippi State in 4th inning, 4-1. First game of the finals.
Bacchus B
aka/Benjamin Netting Yahoo
aka/DodgerLover
aka/SandyIsTheGreatest
aka/JoJo
aka/BlackMirror99
aka/PalmDale
aka/Curdybuff
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aka/Dionysis
aka/JohnnyGentle
has been here a long time. He has more personalities than Sybil and I am not sure when he goes off the rails if he is off his meds, on crack, or on meth. He is astute, quick, knowledgeable, and funny, but often he gets mean.
Consider the cource.
Tonight’s winning lineup:
RF Mookie
1B Max
3B Justin
CF Cody
C Will
2B Chris
SS Gavin
LF AJ
P Trevor
Sometimes I’m amazed by what passes for analysis around here.
If you want to talk out of your ass, at least admit that’s what you’re doing.
Nobody knows anything.
Thanks for the information and repost DC, on McKinstry. Great information on this kid. You said “He (Doc) describes him as a guy who doesn’t “Wow you.”, when you first see him”. That was me. I sure like his swing now and his approach to hitting. He looks hitterish to me, for sure
Don’t tell me you can’t see the resemblance:
That second guy with the violent swing didn’t do well either… did he?
The rumor is that the D-Backs and Chi Sox are progressing in talks involving Escobar. Reported on MLBtraderumors a little while ago.
* I have to admit, I never paid Zach McKinstry much attention even in spring training. I watch him more carefully than I did the other prospects at the plate like Peters, Reks, Raley, Lux, K-Bear and some AA guys. After his hot start I thought it might have been just that, a nice start before he was injured. I should have noticed that this kid can swing it. I’m sure Bear had written him up and knows his history but I missed it. He looks like a guy who is heads above the others with his bat to ball skills.
Just based on the numbers, it looks like he found himself in 2018 where he hit .282 an impressive .861 in 3 levels and .364 and .882 in 2019 in AA & AAA. I really like this kid.
* Dodgers were very efficient scoring 7 on 8 hits.
* CK has morphed into a slider pitcher and that’s fine with me. What an awesome performance.
* Nice performance by Belli who hopefully gets on one of his hot streaks.
* Speaking of Bellinger, some folks on this site seem to perseverate and criticize other poster’s previous thoughts and opinions. It’s a form of competition they must need to win. Since Bellinger has had a couple of great games now, all who every said anything about Bellinger’s future or hitting slumps are walking away from him and being a Bellinger hater. I guess I’m one of the guilty ones.
I will say that I have no reason to root against or bash Bellinger. Below is my previous comment about Belli, not long ago. Tedraymond and I were exchanging thoughts about Bellinger’s history in light of whether he or Seager should be sighed. I wrote
“tedraymond, I took your numbers here on Bellinger and dug a little deeper. For starters I agree with you on his value at 3 positions, great speed and base running. He was other worldly through 2017, 2018 and the half of 2019. His 1.137 1st half was unsustainable. The 2nd half of 2019 he still posted a .921 OPS but his homers dropped from 27 to 20 and his average from .345 to .259. Still those were MVP numbers despite a slide to reality the 2nd half.
Since then, as you pointed out, it’s been .789 and .641. Still nice numbers but trending in the wrong direction. I know he’s been injured and he’s only 25. But I’m on record as being suspicious of his swing long-term. Time will tell but sitting right here, right now, I would be reluctant to sign him to a massive Boras type contract unless that trend turns around in the next 2 years. If it’s one or the other with Seager. I would sign Seager even with his perceived defensive liabilities, assuming he doesn’t want a 300 million dollar deal.”
So, that’s what I said. If that makes me one of those stupid “Bellinger Haters” who want to walk away from him, then I’m guilty as charged.
* I can’t wait to beat the Giants.
P&G I don’t think anyone wants to walk away from Bellinger. The usual discussion has been the decision of signing him long term and for how long. My view has been that extending Bellinger would be for no more 6 years. This is because of the violence in his swing. I doubt he can continue to swing like he currently does long term without incurring injuries. If he would not swing as hard and be more concerned with contact and going the other way he could become a top five player when you take into consideration his speed and GG defense at CF, RF, and 1B. With his athleticism and power he would still hit 30-40 HRs and consistently drive in 100+ runs. I have no problem with his play currently and want him to be successful. He has had a tough season so far with injuries. Let’s hope that doesn’t becomes an issue. The Dodgers have this season and two more seasons to get a real picture on what Cody’s future will be. I’m sure Seager’s FA will be a determining factor in resigning Bellinger. Bottom line for me is Cody is a very good player now, but with some adjustments to his swing he could be a consistent super star player and a HOF’er. I want to see a player who is very good to use his baseball IQ and athleticism to become an all time great player.
I enjoyed reading the rest of your post. You have been posting some good observations on a daily basis. Keep up it.
Carry on
Giants throwing their two best at the Dodgers, Desclafani tonight, and Gausman tomorrow. 16-3 between them. Bauer 7-5 then Buehler 7-1 counter them. Dodgers 3.5 out. Have played one game more than SF. Then a day off and on to DC to play a resurgent Nats team.
Kershaw is 59 K’s from catching Sutton for #1 all-time. I’m surprised we haven’t heard more about it.
Is there any truth to the rumor that the Dodgers are trading Matt Beaty to the Dbacks for Eduardo Escobar?
The dodgers missed Joc and kike because of the guys replacing them like peters and neuse. Now that mckinstry is back and bellinger is back our options are much better. We missed Joc because he killed rh pitching and is a serviceable outfielder. In the playoffs he was able to turn it up a notch. Kike well a defensive wizard, versatile, who could get a big hit occasionally. In the playoffs having Joc was good but this team can make it up somewhere else.
As far as resting guys it is very frustrating. Given how fragile these guys are caution is probably understandable. Actually I am shocked turner has played as much as he has. Muncy has been kind of an iron man but that oblique is scary. Bellinger seems like he is ready and I don’t know if anybody really understands hamstring issues.
The bullpen is trending up mostly due to Bickford and Kelly. The way Bickford has been pitching I was surprised he used him yesterday.
Great read. Thanks.
Nice update on Mark Williams, he was totally off my radar. I’m wondering what other hidden gems you’ll find for us throughout the year. A mid 90’s FB and a relatively low K rate compared to other guys doesn’t sound that impressive, but he seems to get the job done.
Today is a day to celebrate a nice series against a first place Cubbies team featuring old friend Joc Pederson. Not a first team any longer thanks to the last three wins and a nice little streak going into a two game series against the overperforming Giants.
The Dodgers are getting healthier and the results are there in the early going. I had a feeling that Belli and Muncy coming off the IL during the Padres series wouldn’t help too much since they would be getting their timing right. Sure enough, a few days later and they started to roll.
It seems that people want create or succumb to a narrative when looking for explanations as to why things are going well, often ignoring the simplest solution. Before long each narrative gets destroyed.
Doc is so used to playing with one arm tied behind our backs, he gets a couple of players back while getting swept by a division rival and still plays with one hand tied behind our backs during the next series against a first place team.
Here’s the guys that sat during the Cubs series…
Thursday – Turner, Smith
Friday – Taylor
Saturday – Bellinger
Sunday – Muncy, Smith, Pollock
It sure looks like they’re saving guys to play in this two game series against the Giants starting tonight.
Let’s destroy some narratives now that the team is getting healthier.
Not the 2020 Dodgers? Yeah, I really wish Joc was on our team after turning in that 1-11 performance over the weekend. I bet the Cubbies wish Schwarber was still on the team right about now. We could really use Kike’s .690 OPS.
People have been complaining about the bullpen all year. I think they’re sitting around 10th overall in ERA on the season, but the last couple of weeks, they’ve been pretty damn good. Still missing Knebel, Alexander and Graterol, our horrible pen is 4th overall in the last 15 days with a 3.07 ERA. Not bad considering that they’re still covering for that no 5 starter going short.
People are talking about walking away from Bellinger, who’s probably one of the best defensive Center Fielders in the league. In his last 7 games, his triple slash is .368/.519/.684. Does that look like a guy you want to give up on?
The sticky situation is going to hurt our pitchers most. Kershaw just pitched his best game of the year, Urias just punched out 12 in 5 innings, Bueller, Bauer and Gonsolin were all very solid with Both Bueller and Bauer turning in quality starts and Gonsolin allowing just 1 run in each start so far, going a little deeper each time.
It’s pretty easy to see where this is going next. Lux will be the easy target as he’s mired in a slump. He is also the obvious choice of someone that really needs a day off (Go figure that everyone else gets a day or two).
But, he’s our best defensive option at SS until Corey returns and it seems like they aren’t in much of a hurry to get Corey back. Pollock will continue take flack even if he’s hitting 318/348/636 in his last 7 games. And people will want to bench him for McKinstry 227/320/500 during the same period (Go Figure).
I’m going to try to help Doc with his lineup today. With flyball pitcher Bauer on the mound, let’s give Lux that well over due off day today.
Mookie RF
Belli CF
Turner 3B
Muncy 1B
Smith C
Taylor SS
Z-Mack 2B
Pollock LF
Please don’t put Barnes in the lineup in either of these next two games. As a matter of fact, can’t he just take 10 and rest that ankle and give Ruiz a shot?
DC,
We all knew it wasn’t Mark Timmons. Great work in acquainting us with Mark Washington. He has a shot at the show THIS year.
BTW, the Great Lakes Camels, who debuted in 2018, are an alternate identity created by the Great Lakes Loons. On the Opening Day of the 2012 season, Rall E. Camel made his debut as the official rally mascot of the Great Lakes Loons. Since 2019, the Loons play as the Camels for most of their Wednesday home games.