Atlanta Braves’ pitcher Dylan Dodd to make his MLB debut
VENICE, Fla. — What a ride it has been for Dylan Dodd. Drafted by the Atlanta Braves less than two years ago, Dodd started last season at High A, was promoted to their AA affiliate halfway through the season before finishing at AAA. On April 4, Dodd will make his Major League debut as a starting pitcher in St Louis against the Cardinals.
Invited to spring training to pitch Atlanta’s Grapefruit League opener, Dylan thought he would likely be shipped back quickly to AAA Gwinnett and then work his way back up. Two weeks later, he was still pitching, much to the surprise and excitement of his family, who would travel to watch his “likely last game” in Florida more than once.
But the Braves organization had other plans. With two of last year’s starters going back to AAA, a slot opened up in the rotation. And that fifth spot would be a battle between two rookies: Dodd, and Jared Shuster, a Braves first round draft pick.
The competition was intense the next two weeks, with both players putting up impressive numbers. They were neck and neck, wondering who would be the first to have a bad outing to seal their deal?
Although nerve-wracking for the players and their families, management loved the competition, and loved the story of the Small Town Midwest Underdog Dodd versus the Early Favorite East Coast Shuster. Their mutually respectful competition did not disappoint.
In the wee hours of Sunday morning, both southpaws were called into the office, and told that, with starting ace Kyle Wright going on the 15-day injured list, both pitchers would make the 40-man roster. Shuster would start April 2 against the Nationals (close to his hometown), and Dodd got the nod in St. Louis, just a bit of a drive from his hometown.
How did Dodd let his family in Bismarck know? With a 7:30 a.m. Sunday morning phone call. “We didn’t eat yesterday,” Dylan’s mom Thea said in an interview in her classroom. “We have been flooded with calls from tons of people the last two days. We are totally excited! It’s just amazing how many people are supporting and will be there (in St. Louis for Dylan’s debut).”
There has certainly been a rush for tickets originating from East Central Illinois the past few days. There are rumors Dylan’s high school’s baseball team may make the trip, and perhaps a shutting down of the school as so many people may not be around that day (this is only a rumor!).
Dylan’s family has been buying tickets when they could find them, figuring Dylan would only get the usual six or eight tickets. However, Braves management has assured Dylan he will get more than just a few tickets for his debut. Thea says they will also have box seats from Dylan’s agent, and were told to “be prepared to be on TV! We also have a special surprise planned in St. Louis, too, but you’ll have to wait!”, Thea excitedly adds.
“All day yesterday (Sunday), there has been so much happening! I can’t even explain it!” Thea continues, ebullient beyond measure. “It is so exciting, and we are so proud of him. Me and my mom bawled on the phone for hours.”
Dylan is still very humble, still eschews the limelight, and knows he will have to continue to fight to keep this assignment. “I can’t be prouder of him. He’s out of his comfort zone,” Thea reflects. “But he’s doing it. He’s adapted so well.”
How humble is Dylan? On a group phone call with his family and the “Mom Squad”, now the “Dodd Squad”, Dylan said he had a problem and needed his family’s help, which piqued a mother’s worry. He’d have to spend $1500 to ship his car from Spring Training to his new destination, as he is flying directly to St. Louis, unless he can find someone to drive it. “This is your question?!”, Thea laughed, thinking it was something much more serious. The Dodd Squad replied in unison, “Pack that car with what you need! We got this!”
Although Dylan’s success may seem new, the love in his family is not. “My kids (Dylan and his brother Dawson, who is a quarterback at Culver-Stockton College) are my number one priority. I’m proud of both my kids.”
It appears the whole town of Bismarck is proud of them, too.
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