Q&A with Dodgers RHP Gerardo Carrillo

gerardo carrillo dodgers — Gerardo Carrillo. Photo credit Gail Verderico, @1baseballchick

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Gerardo Carrillo is the #22 prospect on Prospescts1500’s Dodgers Top 50 prospects that came out in January and #17 on MLB Pipeline’s 2020 Dodgers rankings. Carrillo spent 2019 in High-A Rancho Cucamonga of the California League after putting up great numbers in 2018 in Great Lakes. While he lost some time mid-season recovering from a lat injury, Carrillo showed that he has the ability make a hitter swing and miss. Showing great potential, the Dodgers sent Carrillo to the Arizona Fall League where he pitched to a 2.22 ERA after posting a 5.44 mark with Rancho Cucamonga during the regular season.

I had a chance to watch Carrillo in both the Cal League and the Arizona Fall League in 2019 and I suspect his next stop is Tulsa (the Dodgers‘ Double-A affiliate). But before he heads out, I thought I’d ask about where he’s been and what he’s working on. Enjoy!

Gail Verderico: What is your best pitch?

Gerardo Carrillo: The two seam fastball.

GV: What pitch are you still working on developing?

GC: I’m working on all my pitches, but mostly my changeup.

GV: I asked one of your teammates to describe you in two words. He said smart and humble. Do you consider yourself a student of the game?

GC: I do. I always pay attention to the game. I try to learn what the hitter’s weaknesses are.

GV: Who or what do you study or follow?

GC: I like Max Scherzer. I really admire his courage and bravery when he’s on the mound. I like the way he challenges the hitters.

GV: You had the opportunity to play in the Arizona Fall League this year. What did you enjoy most about the experience?

GC: The opportunity to meet and play with all those good players. But my favorite memory from the Fall League was when I threw 100 mph.

GV: I was there! What a great moment that was to see. What did you learn while you were there?

GC: I learned that it doesn’t matter how hard the season is going, there is always another opportunity to improve and get better.

GV: You put on a lot of muscle during the season last year and some more in the off season. What are you working on in the gym.

GC: I’m not working on anything in particular, but weight training has helped me improve my fastball.

GV: What’s your workout routine right now as we wait to see when there will be baseball again?

GC: I’m still doing my throwing program and lifting weights.

GV: You were poised for a break out year this year. How disappointing is the delay and uncertainty of the season?

GC: I’m taking advantage of the delay by working hard, and just keeping myself motivated.

GV: Well your hard work has certainly paid off and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for you! Thank you for taking the time to speak with me.

Gerardo Carrillo, Arizona Fall League. Photo credit Gail Verderico, @1baseballchick.

Gail Verderico

Gail is Bay Area born and raised. She was conflicted on which side of the Bay to root for early on, but eventually sided with the A’s. Gail now lives in Southern California, loves all Southern California baseball, and enjoys travelling around the country watching as many baseball games as she can. Follow her on X @1baseball_gail and Instagram @baseball_gail.