Helmis Rodriguez Stats & Scouting Report

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Rodriguez led the short-season Northwest League in innings (91) and WHIP (1.09) last season while ranking second in ERA (1.97). Rodriguez, whose twin brother Herlis is an outfielder in the Phillies system, is not afraid to come inside to batters on either side of the plate. He pitches at 90 mph with his fastball, touching 93, and commands the pitch to both sides of the plate. Toward the end of the season he tinkered with a two-seam fastball. He has a well above-average changeup that he'll throw in any count. It has late action when thrown at 78-82 mph but can be too firm. In instructional league, Rodriguez put his curveball aside to work on a harder breaking pitch with sharp, late break. A groundball pitcher, he generated 2.3 groundouts for every airout in 2014 because of the angle and depth on his fastball and changeup. His ceiling is that of a No. 4 starter, and he will pitch at low Class A Asheville in 2015.

A groundball-oriented lefty, the 5-foot-11, 155-pound Rodriguez earned high marks from managers across the NWL for his ability to pitch. In terms of raw performance, he had the best season in the league, leading the NWL in innings (91) and WHIP (1.09). Rodriguez has a good feel for his fringe-average fastball and above-average changeup. His 87-89 mph fastball and low-80s changeup have notable sink, and he generated 2.3 groundouts for every airout. He also led the league by inducing 13 double plays. He's still developing a breaking ball. It was inconsistent in 2014 and will be a key for him going forward. He fields his position and controls the running game. He impressed Tri-City manager Drew Saylor with his competitive spirit and work ethic. "Everything he does, it's two steps beyond what anybody else would do," he said. "He's above and beyond."