Left-handed pitcher Braidyn Fink is ready to kick off his professional career with the High-A Great Lakes Loons. And despite just getting to Midland, Michigan, for the summer, Fink can tell why members of the Los Angeles Dodgers organization enjoy playing for the Loons.
“It is easy to see why people want to come here,” said Fink. “It’s a family-friendly atmosphere from top-down. I’m excited for the rest of the season.”
Before joining the Dodgers organization in 2019, Fink pitched two seasons at Oklahoma University, where he logged 39.2 innings out of the bullpen.
In that time, the lefty struck out 49 batters, leading to a K/9 ratio of 11.1, while maintaining a WHIP of 1.38 for the Sooners.
But for Fink it wasn’t the numbers he takes away most from being a member of the Oklahoma University baseball program, it’s the growth he made as a pitcher.
“At Oklahoma I learned how to actually pitch, instead of just throwing,” explained Fink. “I got a lot of knowledge from Skip Johnson on how to set up pitches and how to use my arsenal.”
A three-pitch mix of a fastball, a slider, and a changeup in his repertoire will definitely give Fink a few different options that he can use while facing High-A hitters this season.
And the opportunity to be back on the mound is one that Fink is excited about after missing two years — one to Tommy John surgery, and another when the pandemic canceled the 2020 minor league season.
“I’m excited to be lacing it up against other teams,” said Fink. “It’s been over 800 days since I had surgery, and even longer since I’ve played against another team.”
Be sure to follow Fink’s season with the Great Lakes Loons, and for years to come as a bullpen arm option in the Los Angeles Dodgers system.
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