MLB Rookie Profile: Felix Jorge, RHP, Minnesota Twins

The Minnesota Twins have promoted pitching prospect Felix Jorge to the major league roster and he’ll make his debut today against the Kansas City Royals. Here’s a quick look on what to expect.

The Twins signed Felix Jorge out of the Dominican Republic in 2011 for a $400,000 bonus. Very effective in rookie ball, his major breakout occurred in 2015 when he posted a 2.79 ERA in 142 innings in Low-A with a sharp 114/32 K/BB. He split 2016 between High-A and Double-A and remained quite effective.

Jorge ranked 16th on the pre-season Minnesota Twins Top 20 prospects for 2017 list, rated as a Grade C+ with the following commentary:

16) Felix Jorge, RHP, Grade C+: Went 12-8, 2.69 in 25 starts between High-A and Double-A, combined 109/23 K/BB in 167 innings although ratios were weaker in Double-A (32/12 in 74 innings, 83 hits); command and control are best attributes, fastball can hit 94-95 but may have better movement at lower velocities; slider and change-up have made slow but steady progress; would like to see more strikeouts. Fourth starter projection but stuff could play up if used in bullpen; age 22, ETA 2018.

For 2017 Jorge has been reasonably successful at Double-A Chattanooga with a 3.26 ERA in 86 innings and a 61/22 K/BB.

Listed at 6-2, 170, Jorge was born January 2nd, 1994. He’s actually gained 15-20 pounds since signing, going from “incredibly skinny” to “just regular skinny.” His fastball was 85-88 four years ago but has gained some ticks as his body has matured; he tops out at 94-95 now and is regularly in the low-90s.

Opinions vary on his secondaries: some sources prefer his slider, some prefer his change-up; both pitches could be fairly described as average to slightly above. Although not overpowering the entire arsenal works well due to his polish and ability to locate his pitches.

His delivery is a bit unusual and I think it adds deception. I’m not exactly sure how to describe it but watch the videos below and you’ll see what I mean.

Overall, Jorge projects as a command-oriented fourth starter.