Los Angeles Dodgers: The completely wild Cameron Gibbens
Sometimes, there is a player whose stat line just jumps off the page. Such is the case with former Los Angeles Dodgers minor league pitcher Cameron Gibbens.
He had spent two years pitching in the Australian Winter League before signing with the Dodgers prior to the 2021 campaign. Gibbens then moved quickly up the system last season, moving through three levels as he reached Double-A. While he struggled in Tulsa, primarily with his control, the hope was that a return to that level in 2022 would allow him to continue his progression.
Cameron Gibbens had interesting stat line in Los Angeles Dodgers system
Well, Cameron had been back at Double-A before being released on August 18. He had fought injuries all season and, at 27 years old, the Dodgers no longer felt that he had a place in their future.
One could understand why based on his performance. On the positive side, Gibbens had faced 55 batters and allowed just two hits while striking out ten batters. That would seem to be a positive.
The issue is that Gibbens no longer had any command of his stuff. He issued 28 walks in that span while hitting five batters and uncorking five wild pitches. It was clear that Gibbens needed a great deal of work to be able to come back and be a possible option in the bullpen. It was also clear that the Dodgers were not interested in helping him work through those issues.
This does not mean that we have seen the last of Gibbens. If he can get healthy and work his way through his command issues, it would not be a surprise to see him pitching in Australia once again. A strong showing there could get him back into affiliated ball.
Cameron Gibbens has seen his career become derailed by injuries. Maybe, if he can get healthy again, the former Los Angeles Dodgers farmhand can return.