Sam Horn Makes Professional Debut for Glendale
The Dodgers prospect is pitching in the Arizona Fall League after returning from a significant leg injury.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Baseball
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Pitcher Sam Horn is making his professional baseball debut in the Arizona Fall League for Glendale. The Los Angeles Dodgers prospect maintains a 1.50 ERA through six appearances.
Why it matters
Horn is returning to form after breaking his tibia in a football game in 2025, a setback that forced him to undergo two surgeries. His successful performance in Arizona marks a significant recovery for the 17th-round draft pick.
Horn has recorded eight strikeouts and four walks over six innings of work. His arsenal features a fastball reaching 97 mph, a sweeper at 82-85 mph, and a new kick changeup grip clocked at 88-91 mph.
The players
Sam Horn
He is a pitcher in the Los Angeles Dodgers organization who was selected in the 17th round of the 2025 MLB Draft.
Los Angeles Dodgers
This professional baseball organization drafted Horn and manages his recovery and development.
The details
Drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers for a $497,500 signing bonus, Horn transitioned exclusively to baseball following his injury. He began his throwing program in the Dodgers system after Spring Training 2026 under the guidance of his rehab pitching coach.
Timeline
August 28, 2025: Sam Horn broke his tibia during a football game.
2025 Draft: The Los Angeles Dodgers selected Sam Horn.
Spring 2026: Sam Horn began throwing in the Dodgers system.
October 26, 2026: Sam Horn recorded two strikeouts in one inning.
November 2026: The Arizona Fall League season concludes.
Season Trajectory
Horn's presence in Glendale is a pivotal development for his integration into the Dodgers' minor league hierarchy following the 2025 MLB Draft. As the Arizona Fall League concludes, his continued health and performance are critical for his placement in the organization for 2027.
With less than three weeks of play remaining, Horn's current 1.50 ERA provides a snapshot of his readiness for the upcoming full minor league season. His velocity consistency between 94 and 96 mph suggests he has regained his pre-injury arm strength.
The takeaway
Horn's transition to professional baseball highlights the intensive rehabilitation process required for multi-sport athletes. His adoption of a new changeup grip demonstrates how coaching adjustments can help pitchers compensate for physical limitations after a major injury.
Further reading
For more on the current prospects playing in the desert, visit Baseball.
Source note: This article includes information reported by MLB.
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