As anticipated, the Dodgers have added four pitching prospects to the Glendale Desert Dogs roster for the upcoming 2013 Arizona Fall League (AFL).

Joining Rancho Cucamonga Quakes catchers Chris O’Brien and Pratt Maynard, shortstop Corey Seager and Chattanooga Lookouts outfielder Brian Cavazos-Galvez will be left-handers Onelki Garcia, who recently made his MLB debut with the Dodgers as a September call-up, and Mike Thomas along with right-handers Yimi Garcia and Shawn Tolleson.

Left-handed power pitcher Onelki Garcia, who recently made his MLB debut with the Dodgers, will be one of four pitchers representing the organization at the 2013 Arizona Fall League.
(Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)

Tolleson, as you know, has pitched in parts of two seasons with the Dodgers but recently underwent back surgery for a herniated disk. He attempted a come back late this season with the Quakes but was shut down after a setback. His appearance in the AFL will mark his first attempt to return to the Dodgers since pitching for the Quakes on August 14 when he allowed one hit – a home run.

The AFL is minor league baseball’s premier off-season league and will kickoff its 21st season on Tuesday, October 8, 2013 and will run through Thursday, November 14, 2013. The Rising Stars Game, the AFL’s version of an All-Star Game, will take place on Saturday, November 2, 2013.

The Arizona Fall League is comprised of six teams separated into two divisions – East and West. All 30 MLB teams are represented in the AFL with each team permitted to send up to six prospects, most from the Double-A and Triple-A ranks. Teams are permitted to send one prospect from their lower level teams (Single-A and below) but there are exceptions to this rule, which the Dodgers were privy to this year. Because not every team sends catching prospects, both Quakes catchers (O’Brien and Maynard) were invited to participate to accommodate the large number of pitchers needed for the AFL. Quakes hitting coach Johnny Washington will also represent the Dodger organization at this year’s AFL, serving as the hitting coach for the Desert Dogs.