Ryan Weathers faced a difficult task when he drew his first major league start. The San Diego Padres threw their pitching prospect right into the fire, sending him out to face the Los Angeles Dodgers. Although the Padres lost that game 11-6, Weathers fared well in his 3.2 innings, allowing just one hit and two walks as he did not give up a run.
Weathers once again drew the Dodgers in his second start of the season. One would have figured that this time would be different, especially as the Dodgers had a sense as to his arsenal. As impressive as his first outing was, the expectation was that he would not see the same results.
San Diego Padres pitcher Ryan Weathers dominating Los Angeles Dodgers
To a degree, that expectation came true. Weathers did not have the same level of success against the Dodgers the second time out; he was even better. He allowed only one hit again, with one walk, as he struck out six in his 5.1 innings as the Padres took home a 3-2 victory.
At this point, Weathers may be the Padres’ best weapon against Los Angeles. He has allowed just two hits and three walks in his 9.1 shutout innings, striking out nine batters. The Dodgers have produced a .067/.176/.067 batting line against him in 34 plate appearances as he has completely bewildered their lineup.
Although he had been somewhat overshadowed by the plethora of pitching prospects in the Padres’ system, Weathers was still regarded as a solid pitcher. Ranked as the Padres’ fifth best prospect by MLB.com heading into the 2021 season, Weathers has three above average offerings with a devasting changeup, with the expectation that he could be a solid middle of the rotation arm.
If this is what a middle of the rotation arm is for the Padres, then the rest of the league is in trouble. He has shut down the defending World Series champions in his two starts this year, and is only scratching the surface of what he can potentially offer San Diego this season.
Ryan Weathers had been one of the San Diego Padres’ top pitching prospects. Based on his performance against the Dodgers, one can see why.