Don got over his rookie jitters the next day against the Cards, hitting a 2-1 pitch off Don Liddle into the left field stands to contribute to a 17-2 victory. Demeter finished the season 1 for 3. He didn't compete for the Dodgers in the 1956 World Series, but did join the team for a playing tour through Japan. In the 18 game series, the Dodgers went 14-4 with Demeter hitting above .300 and five home runs, just one behind the team leaders Gil Hodges and Duke Snider. During the tour, Dodgers Vice President Buzzie Bavasi named Demeter as one of the stars ready for the Majors. The Dodgers were offered $750,000 for Demeter and five other prospects, but the offer was turned down. On November 2, Bavasi announced that Demeter would be one of the prospects invited to an early tryout training camp at Vero Beach, Florida the next February. National League president Warren Giles gave Don very high praise, saying that he, "should make the grade as a regular with the Dodgers next season. He played outstanding ball in Japan." Brooklyn President Walter O'Malley announced during the Japan tour his plans to move Duke Snider over to left field to make room for Demeter in center. Before the 1957 season, Demeter was rated as one of the top 8 rookie prospects in February in a poll conducted by 12 major league organizations. On January 12, he signed his contract to play with the Dodgers for the year. In an exhibition rematch of last year's World Series, the Dodgers beat the New York Yankees 1-0 in 11 innings after Demeter hit a double and later in the inning scored on a wild throw by Gil McDougald as he ran to third. Overall, Don failed to impress during spring training and was cut by the Dodgers on March 31 and subsequently optioned to the AAA St. Paul Saints of the American Association. Don started the season very strong, hitting .350 with 35 RBI and a league-leading 12 home runs through June 5. On July 4, Demeter helped his team improbably overcome an 8-1 deficit by hitting three home runs to help the Saints beat the Minneapolis Millers 9-8. Two days later, he was selected to the American Association all-star team on July 6, 1957. He was one of only four unanimous picks by the league's broadcasters and writers. On July 14, Demeter had to leave a game after severely pulling a tendon in his left hand. Still hurt, Don returned on August 2 to pinch hit a game-winning double in the 10th inning to beat Louisville 3-2.