Kyle Hurt has been on the cusp of getting some sort of run in the majors with the Dodgers, but sadly nominative determinism has spoiled most of the last two seasons.
The right-hander out of USC, who came to the Dodgers along with Alex Vesia in the 2021 trade of Dylan Floro to the Marlins, had a scintillating debut in September 2023, striking out three of six batters faced against the Padres. Heading into 2024 he was going to at least be an occasional relief option in Los Angeles, but instead was sidelined by a shoulder injury which was played cautiously, including the 60-day IL.
Just as he was ramping back up in July, the Dodgers were close to calling him up to help a heavily-used bullpen, Hurt left an outing with Oklahoma City with an elbow injury which ultimately ended his season. He had Tommy John surgery that July 30, which ended his 2024 and took a big chunk out of his 2025 as well.
“Things aren’t going to feel great every day, but you just have to keep going. It’s great having other other guys around,” Hurt said. “It is a tough road, and it’s just so fulfilling to be facing hitters, and then going to Triple-A and getting in some games.”
Hurt continued his rehab in Triple-A, and got into seven games for Oklahoma City, with 10 strikeouts in 9 1/3 innings, and allowed two runs. He didn’t get the call to the majors, spending the entire season on the injured list. He was part of the stay-hot camp during October, but ultimately wasn’t used.
Maybe 2026 will be the year for Hurt to make his mark in the majors.
Stats: 1.93 ERA, 7 games in Triple-A, 9 1/3 IP, 10 K, 5 BB
On September 5 at Sugar Land, facing the Astros’ Triple-A affiliate, Hurt struck out four in two scoreless innings for Oklahoma City in the second game of his minor league rehab assignment.