Friday's action in the Los Angeles Dodgers' minor league system was nothing short of a rollercoaster, featuring two rehabbing major leaguers, a doubleheader split, and a dramatic comeback that ultimately fell short.
The headline act was Tyler Fitzgerald, who delivered a performance for the ages with the Oklahoma City Comets. Fitzgerald, recently acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays on April 28, launched his first two home runs since joining the Dodgers organization. His second blast was a game-tying grand slam with one out in the ninth inning, igniting bedlam in Bricktown and driving in six runs on the night. Fitzgerald started at second base before shifting to third after rehabber Kiké Hernández completed his seven innings.
Despite Fitzgerald's heroics, the Comets' bullpen couldn't hold the line, surrendering two runs in the 10th inning to fall to the Salt Lake Bees (Angels). Starter Christian Romero allowed seven runs over five innings but was spared the loss thanks to Fitzgerald's ninth-inning magic. James Tibbs III and Jack Suwinski each added two hits and scored a run in the losing effort.
Meanwhile, Mookie Betts continued his rehab assignment, singling once in three at-bats and playing five innings at shortstop in his first minor league game in 11 years. The plan calls for Betts to play one more game with the Comets on Saturday before being activated from the injured list as early as Monday. Kiké Hernández went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts in his third rehab game, logging seven innings at third base after playing five innings at the hot corner on Tuesday and Thursday.
In Double-A action, the Tulsa Drillers split a doubleheader with the Arkansas Travelers (Mariners). After dropping the first game, Tulsa bounced back with a shutout in the nightcap. Payton Martin was the star, striking out six over four scoreless innings while working around three singles and two walks. Chris Newell collected three hits and drove in two runs, while Kole Myers added a home run. The first game saw Tulsa manage only two hits, including a solo home run by catcher Frank Rodriguez in the sixth inning for their only run.
Finally, the Great Lakes Loons dropped a back-and-forth contest to the Lake County Captains (Guardians), with second baseman Nico Perez providing a bright spot with a home run of his own.