Albert Suarez Stats & Scouting Report

IP	133.2
ERA	3.7
WHIP	1.29
BB/9	2.9
SO/9	7.27

Full name Albert Joe Suárez
Born 10/08/1989 in San Felix, Venezuela
Profile Ht.: 6'3" / Wt.: 235 / Bats: R / Throws: R
Debut 05/08/2016

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

One of the top righthanders in the system, Suarez has flown under the radar because of physical issues. He missed much of 2009 and the first three months of 2010 after Tommy John surgery, and he was sidelined until late July last year with Lyme disease. When healthy, he has shown a fluid delivery as well as a knack for getting hitters out. Suarez' fastball returned last summer to its previous velocity of 93-94 mph, and he throws it on a steep downhill plane. He also has good feel for a sharp curveball and a changeup that could be at least an average pitch. He has maintained his control and command despite his repeated stints on the disabled list. Suarez has tremendous makeup with a strong desire to get better. He has handled his setbacks well and picked up where he left off with little delay. The Rays hope Suarez can pitch an entire season in 2012 and believe he has the ability to develop into a middle-of-the-rotation starter. Though he has only 58 innings in full-season ball, he could reach Double-A at some point this year.
Suarez was the winning pitcher on Opening Night for Hudson Valley last season, and he was pitching well in his second start against Staten Island before departing in the fifth inning. A week later he found out he needed Tommy John surgery. A product of the Rays' recent focus on Venezuela, he drew comparisons to Freddy Garcia during his 2008 pro debut. Prior to his injury, Suarez showed a fluid delivery and threw the ball on a sharp downhill plane, generating a 93-94 mph fastball and improving offspeed pitches. Though somewhat inconsistent, his curveball had good break, and he made strides with a promising changeup. Suarez has impressive control for a youngster, with just nine walks in 53 minor league innings. His makeup is considered a major asset as well. He has made a concerted effort to learn English in order to communicate better and hasten his development. Suarez has made steady progress in his rehabilitation, and Tampa Bay thinks his injury will be little more than a minor bump on his road to the majors. The Rays hope he'll be able to pitch in games late in the 2010 season.
Signed as a 16-year-old in 2006, Suarez worked out at the Rays' new academy in his native Venezuela before making his pro debut in 2008. He ranked as the No. 9 prospect in the Appalachian League, attracting favorable comparisons to fellow Venezuelan Freddy Garcia. Suarez has a fluid delivery that he repeats very well and easy arm action that produces a 93-94 mph fastball. Though not a giant at 6-foot-2, he throws on a steep downhill plane that causes his plus fastball to jump on hitters. He also has shown promise with his secondary pitches. His curveball has a good break and the potential to be an above-average pitch, but he's still seeking consistency with the offering. He also began working on a changeup during extended spring training but hesitated to throw it at times at Princeton. Both pitches need work, but the Rays believe he has a chance to have three plus pitches. Suarez has shown plus command of his fastball and has good overall control. He also impressed with his overall maturity and the way he adapted to a new culture at the age of 18. He likely will open the 2009 season at Hudson Valley, but could make it to low Class A if he progresses at the same rate as last year.

Minor League Top Prospects

After signing in 2006, Suarez spent last season working out at the Rays' new Venezuelan academy before coming to the U.S. He distinguished himself with easy 93-94 mph velocity and a mature approach both to the game and to a new culture. With a projectable 6-foot-2, 186-pound frame and a clean arm stroke, Suarez has drawn comparisons to countryman Freddy Garcia. His repeatable delivery features terrific downhill plane, and he walked just seven batters in 11 appearances. His curveball has above-average potential but is inconsistent. He also showed aptitude for a changeup that he began throwing in extended spring training, but it also needs refinement.