Dodgers select South Carolina HS pitcher with first-round pick

In a shocking development to absolutely no one, the Dodgers selected a pitcher with their first-round pick in Thursday’s Major League Baseball draft.

The Dodgers picked right-hander Grant Holmes from Conway High in South Carolina with the 22nd overall pick. It’s the 11th time in their past 12 drafts they have taken a pitcher with their first pick.

Many scouts say the burly, 6-foot-2 Holmes has the best curveball coming out of his high school class. He reportedly throws his fastball in the low-to-mid 90s and also throws a changeup.

Holmes was in MLB’s studio for the draft and told the network: “I’m very honored to be a Dodger and I’m ready to pitch.”

Holmes, who has an Andy Messersmith perm look, is a University of Florida commit. He was the Gatorade player of the year in South Carolina after striking out 82 in 40 innings.

The Dodgers’ recent first picks:

2013 – Chris Anderson, RHP; 2012 – Cory Seager, SS; 2011 – Chris Reed, LHP; 2010 – Zach Lee, RHP; 2009 – Aaron Miller, RHP (switched to OF); 2008 – Ethan Martin, RHP; 2007 – Chris Withrow, RHP; 2006 – Clayton Kershw, LHP; 2005 – Luke Hochevar, RHP; 2004 – Scott Elbert, LHP; and 2003 – Chad Billingsley, RHP.