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| David Parkinson, image- Jay Floyd |
A 12th round draft selection in 2017, Parkinson tallied an 11-6 record with a 3.10 ERA and a 7.8 K/9 mark in two college seasons at Ole Miss after transferring from JuCo. The Phillies signed him over slot money at a reported $250,000.
He made his professional debut with short-season Class A Williamsport in 2017, notching a 1-3 record with a 2.48 ERA along with a .242 batting average against in 11 appearances (three starts).
Parkinson would open the 2018 season with Class A Lakewood where he led the starting staff, sporting an 8-1 record with a 1.51 ERA, a .210 batting average against and a 10.9 K/9 mark.
Promoted to Class A Advanced Clearwater in August, Parkinson continued to display mastery on the mound. In five appearances (four starts) with the Threshers, the Virginia native posted a 3-0 record, a 1.24 ERA as well as a .175 batting average against.
His overall 1.45 ERA for the season was the best in minor league baseball.
With the remarkable season under his belt, Parkinson was honored as the top hurler in the Phillies' developmental ranks, getting the organization's Paul Owens Award last year.
The six-foot-three 214-pounder is equipped with a pitch repertoire that features a fastball that resides in the low 90's, a very good change up, a curve ball and a slider. With some offerings that are rated about average, his efforts play up with a deceptive delivery. He also touts great command.
There is no fear in Parkinson. He's an intelligent pitcher that goes right after the opposition and is confident while doing so. Parkinson always has a plan heading into any outing, maybe more so than any other pitcher. He has an amazing feel for pitch sequences, tends to think a pitch or two ahead and can outsmart batters with ease, getting plenty of swings-and-misses.
I would expect the 23-year-old to open the 2019 campaign back with Clearwater, but if he's able to dominate A ball the way he did last year, time with Double-A Reading won't be far off. How he performs at the upper levels of the minors should help to forecast what his future in the big leagues will hold.
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