Dodgers prospect Farmer gets taste of Future

CINCINNATI -- Striking out in his only two at-bats wasn't what Kyle Farmer was hoping for in his first SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game, a 10-1 win for his U.S. Team, on Sunday.

Then again, he didn't think he'd see a 101 mph fastball, either.

Farmer, one of two Dodgers prospects playing in the game, struck out on a big-time heater by White Sox pitcher Frankie Montes of the World Team in the sixth inning. He later struck out in the eighth inning.

But, 101 mph, in an exhibition game, no less?

"I've never seen what 100 looks like," Farmer said. "And now I have. It went by me pretty quick."

Farmer and fellow Dodgers prospect, pitcher Juan Gonzalez, played in Sunday's game.

Gonzalez, pitching for the World Team, struck out the only two batters he faced in the seventh inning -- Matt Olson and Nick Williams, both on sliders.

As for Turner, the No. 20 prospect in the Dodgers' system, according to MLB.com, his outing on Sunday was just another interesting chapter in a pro career that has been anything but dull.

Drafted by the Dodgers in the eighth round of the 2013 Draft out of the University of Georgia, he was selected with the understanding that after playing shortstop for four years, he'd move behind the plate.

The transition hasn't always been easy.

"Coming from shortstop my entire life to playing catcher, I think the best thing about it is using soft hands and having a shortstop mentality about it. My first year in rookie ball was tough; I didn't really know what I was doing," Farmer said.

"I was lucky to have Damon Berryhill [10 years in the big leagues as a catcher] as a manager. He pushed me through it and told me it was going to be OK. But I really enjoy calling a game and working with the pitchers."

Farmer is currently hitting .324/.375/.494 between two Minor League stops. He's currently with Double-A Tulsa.

"On the catching side, it's his leadership and his ability to connect with pitchers that has shined," said Dodgers director of player development Gabe Kapler. "He's been an exemplary teammate. It's been a pleasure to watch him rise and a true feather in the cap of our catching specialist, Travis Barbary."

Gonzalez has been exceptional in two Minor League stops for the Dodgers, posting a 0.88 ERA in 30 2/3 innings with 28 strikeouts.

"Gonzo has recently opened eyes internally with bankable velocity and deception. He's been a legitimate performer and we're collectively excited for the world to catch a glimpse of this dynamic package," Kapler said.