The Los Angeles Dodgers have promoted Marshall Kasowski to Double-A Tulsa. The dominant reliever for the Quakes of Rancho Cucamonga is rising quickly in an organization that is filled with talent. Dodgers fans may want to get to know Kasowski now. From his unorthodox pitching mechanics to the chip on his shoulder, the righty from Conroe Texas is opening eyes.
When asked about his mindset, “In high school, I was cut from my team until my senior year so I have a thick chip on my shoulder for success and to always do my best,” Kasowski stated. Every late-inning specialist needs to have a certain mental toughness or attitude, Kasowski fits that mold.
Reliever Mentality
If the game is on the line in the late innings you need to have a bit of an edge. Marshall explains how his season is going to this point. “My season thus far has been overall good but my main focus is developing my abilities.” Marshall continued, “Of course numbers look good but I’ve only done that at the lower levels and it gets people excited and all but the true colors of a player show when he’s in the big leagues performing.” His numbers, particularly in strikeouts and zero’s in the run column are enough to excite. Especially with a mid to upper 90’s fastball, a nasty twelve to six curve and a deceptive throwing motion.
The minor league baseball season can be a long, slow grind, at times. Kasowski’s perspective, “My goal is to push myself to get the most out of my potential as possible and to stay focused day in and day out.”
Marshall Kasowski in 2017
The Dodgers selected Marshall in the 13th round in June of 2017 out of West Texas A & M college. Kasowski threw a few innings in the Arizona Rookie League before a handful of innings in the Midwest League at Great Lakes (Low-A). Over nine games he had a one and one record with a 3.18 earned run average. In 11.1 innings the native Texan had 15 strikeouts with 12 walks.
K’s Galore
Perhaps not the perfect start to the 2018 season for Kasowski, “The start of my season wasn’t very good, going back to the first two weeks if I remember correctly I tallied up 11 walks during those first few outings.” When asked about his dramatic turnaround, the farm-hand replied, “I just stayed focused and with the help of the great staff we have here in the Dodgers organization I made an adjustment and moved forward.”
Marshall had been an integral part of a fantastic winning streak (15) and first half championship with the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes. He and Zach Pop combined for a bit of a late-inning dynamic duo for the Quakes until Pop was involved in the Manny Machado trade.
Congratulations to most recent addition to the MSM Sports Family @marshallkasowsk on promotion to Double-A ? Almost 16k/9 ratio! @MSMsports https://t.co/NyU51xX2lo
— Craig Rose (@Craig_MSMsports) July 24, 2018
Now in Tulsa
It will be interesting to see how this new trial (by fire) is met by the 23-year-old talent. “As far as joining the drillers I’m excited as anybody should be, its the next challenge in my career. My goal is to pitch in the big leagues and this from my understanding is the biggest jump you make in your professional career in regards to refined talent.”
“15 months ago I was playing Division II Baseball.” ~ Marshall Kasowski
Bright Future
“I’m constantly learning from the guys ahead of me and/or more experienced than me. I look forward to the opportunities and challenges ahead!” We look forward to watching that progression.
His debut in Tulsa, on July 25th, two scoreless innings.
Main Photo
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