After 64 1/3 dominant innings with the Charleston RiverDogs, top pitching prospect Rafael DePaula is headed to Tampa. The news was first broken by Baseball America’s Ben Badler earlier this evening.
In 13 starts with the RiverDogs this year, DePaula has been lights out, going 6-2 with a 2.94 ERA. His 96 strikeouts and 1.02 WHIP are just some indication of how much he overmatched South Atlantic League hitters. He currently ranks fourth throughout the minor leagues in strikeouts.
DePaula features a three-pitch arsenal, including a fastball which runs into the high-90’s and a potential plus curveball which consistently keeps opposing hitters off-guard. The 22-year-old also throws a change-up that is used to set up his overpowering fastball.
Despite being associated with the organization as early as 2009, DePaula is in his first season pitching in the United States after serving a suspension for lying about his age and facing visa issues. He pitched last season for the Yankees’ Dominican Summer League team.
