2017 Phillies Prospect Countdown: #12 RHP Adonis Medina

Medina, image- MiLB.com

Widely ranked among the Phillies' top prospects by many outlets, right-handed pitcher Adonis Medina has already made a name for himself at quite a young age as coaches really like his potential while Phils' brass adores his ability.

Medina is equipped with a mid-90's fastball along with a curveball and a change up that are considered to have plus potential and has used that arsenal to impress at the lower levels of the minor leagues as a teenager. 

Signed in 2014 at age 17, Medina made his pro debut that year as part of the Phillies' Dominican Summer League club.  In 11 games (two starts) he tallied a 2-3 record with a save, a 1.27 ERA and a 7.5 K/9 mark.

In 2015, the six-foot-one 185-pounder competed with the rookie level Gulf Coast League team, sporting a 3-2 record with a 2.98 ERA and a 6.9 K/9 mark in 10 games (eight starts). 

Last season, at the age of 19 he pitched with the short-season Class A Williamsport Crosscutters and was the team's opening day starter.  In 13 games, all starts, Medina tallied a 5-3 record with a 2.92 ERA along with a 4.7 K/9 mark. 

Medina is praised for having a great feel for pitching.  His fastball arrives at the plate featuring sink, helping to result in ground balls from the opposition.  Additionally, both secondary pitches are strong.  The Dominican Republic native already has the control of an elder pitcher.

His ceiling would seem to be a big league starter, but development will certainly shed more light on where among a team's starting staff he could land as a contributor.

I would expect Medina to open the 2017 campaign with the Class A full-season Lakewood BllueClaws.  He'll be 20-years-old for the entire season.

You can follow along with this year’s Phillies prospects countdown by clicking this link.