Adonis Rosa
Adonis Rosa was signed as an International Free Agent back in 2013 and began his career in the Dominican Summer League the following season.
Armed with a low-90’s fastball with excellent control and his go-to pitch in a changeup, he was able to maintain 1.62 ERA striking out 31 batters in 39 innings of work.
Placed in rookie ball in 2015, Rosa started his professional career off right as he recorded a 7-2 record with a 3.93 ERA in 11 starts, striking out 42 batters in 55 innings including a 2.77 ERA in five July starts.
After participating in extended Spring Training to begin the 2016 season, the 22-year old reported to Staten Island to begin his regular season in the New York-Penn League.
Rosa gave up only five runs in 34 innings (1.32 ERA) featuring an opponent’s slash line of .189/.244/.303 before earning a promotion to Single-A.
As a member of the RiverDogs, Rosa posted a 2-5 record with a 2.86 ERA in eight starts but in his last 18 innings (three starts), he didn’t allow a single earned run and struck out 20 batters compared to just three walks.
If I were the Yankees, I’d start Rosa off in Tampa to see if the next level will adjust to his two-pitch punch with an average curveball, or to see if he could shine bright again.
Judging by how fast pitchers can work their way through a system, this kid could climb the ladder rather quickly if his current output is a model of consistency.
