FORT WORTH, Texas — 
With their first pick in the 2024 draft, the Dodgers selected the same kind of player they did with their first pick in the 2023 draft: a high school player with exceptional speed, strong defensive ability at a key position, and the promise of power to come.
This year’s edition: shortstop Kellon Lindsey from Hardee High School in Florida.
“The excitement level our player development staff has is through the roof,” said Billy Gasparino, the Dodgers’ vice president of baseball operations. “We really think we found someone who is going to be a great Dodger.”
That might happen, but not for a few years. The Dodgers are under .500 (23-24) over the last eight weeks, they have 12 pitchers on the injured list, and they used four pitchers Sunday acquired this year in minor league transactions or after they had been designated for assignment.
Under the circumstances, did president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman ask his scouting department to consider whether any college pitcher might be worth taking so that he could be promoted into the major league bullpen sometime this season?
“Trust me, we feel your pain,” Gasparino said. “We know, with all the injuries going on at the big league level. I think it’s tempting at times to try to think like that, but we just haven’t.
“Andrew and (general manager) Brandon Gomes have been really steady on: Do what’s best long-term for the organization. We’ll figure out the short term. Don’t let that impact the decision.”
