Videos: Mecias, Rios Bullpen Footage

From time to time I'll post video clips of rising prospects in action or doing pregame work. This round of clips features bullpen footage of Class A Lakewood hurlers Yacksel Rios and Yoel Mecias.

Rios, a righty, sports a fastball that has regularly been clocked at 91-92 MPH this season and features nice movement, a quality change up that registers in the low 80's and an improving slider that sits in the upper 80's. BlueClaws pitching coach Les Lancaster asserts that opposing batters generally don't often get good swings against the 21-year-old Puerto Rican, as he hides the ball well with his wind up. Rios was the Phils' 12th round draft choice in 2011.

After beginning the season in the Lakewood bullpen, Rios has notched a 3-0 record with a 3.76 ERA in eight starts.

Mecias, a left-hander, is a well touted pitching prospect for the Phillies that is bouncing back after undergoing Tommy John surgery last summer. The 20-year-old Venezuelan sports a low 90's fastball, a change up described as "Major League ready" and a slider that coaches are looking to help improve.

Thus far since his return to action, the six-foot-two 160-pounder has tallied a 2-1 record with a 3.09 ERA with 21 strike outs and 13 walks over 32 innings in seven starts.

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