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 junior college. The Phillies signed him over slot money at a reported $250,000.
Parkinson would open the 2018 season with the Class A Lakewood BlueClaws where he led the starting staff, sporting an 8-1 record with a 1.51 ERA, a .210 batting average against, a 1.05 WHIP 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 and a 0.90 WHIP.
His overall 1.45 ERA for the 2018 season was the best in all of minor league baseball.
With that 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.
He made his professional debut with short-season Class A Williamsport in 2017, posting a 1-3 record with a 2.48 ERA along with a .242 batting average against in 11 appearances (three starts).
Last year, Parkinson spent a complete season at Double-A as a starter for the Reading Fightin Phils. The 24-year-old notched a 10-9 record with 4.08 ERA, a .247 batting average against, a 1.23 WHIP and an 8.9 K/9 mark in 22 games.
Parkinson, listed at six-foot-two, 210 pounds, 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 hurler in the system. 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.
It is likely that Parkinson will get to try his luck at the Triple-A level to open the 2020 season.
Projections for the Virginia native place him as a back end big league starter, a spot that very much needs his brand of consistency at the big league level with the Phillies.
You can keep tabs on this year's top 25 Phillies prospect countdown by clicking this link.
Comments