Article: Get To Know Felix Jorge

[Cody Christie]

Felix Jorge will be making his big league debut on Saturday but he's probably a name that isn't familiar to a lot of fans. The 23-year old right-handed pitcher has been in the Twins organization since 2011 when he signed out of the Dominican Republic. I recently named him the ninth best prospect in the Twins organization. As with any pitching prospect, there have been some ups and downs during the professional tenure of Mr. Jorge.

 

Before he makes his big league debut, here's your opportunity to get to know Felix Jorge.Rookie Leagues

Jorge made his professional debut as a 17-year old in the Dominican Summer League. In nine appearances (five starts), he allowed eight earned runs (2.67 ERA) with 26 strikeouts and nine walks. He came stateside in 2012 and pitched for the GCL Twins. Across 34.2 innings, he allowed nine earned runs while improving his SO/9 from 8.7 to 9.6. He moved up the ladder again in 2013 as he headed to Elizabethton where he had a 2-2 record with a 2.95 ERA over 61 innings. Jorge was establishing himself as one of the Twins' top pitching prospects.

 

2014 Struggles

The Twins organization continued to be aggressive with Jorge to start the 2014 campaign. He was sent to Cedar Rapids to start the season and he struggled for the first time in his professional career. Jorge was knocked around for 39 runs in 39 innings including nine home runs. The Kernels tried to move him to the bullpen to find some success but that plan didn't work. By the end of May, he was sent back to extended spring training with plenty of question marks surrounding his future.

 

Bouncing Back

It would be an understatement to say Jorge bounced back strongly from his early season struggles that year. Jorge finally had something click when he returned to Elizabethton for the second-half of the 2014 campaign. He was named the Appalachian League Pitcher of the Year as he went 4-2 with a 2.59 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP. He posted a 61 to 14 strikeout to walk ratio over 66 innings. From this point forward, Jorge would become the most consistent starting pitcher in the Twins organization.

 

During the 2015 campaign, Jorge spent the entire season at Cedar Rapids, the site of his biggest professional failure. While being almost a year younger than the competition, he posted a 2.79 ERA and a 1.06 WHIP. He posted career highs in innings pitched (142), strikeouts (114), wins (6) and starts (22).

 

Upper Minors

The 2016 season saw him take the next step as he split time between High-A and Double-A. Through his first seven starts, he posted a 2.00 ERA with 38 strikeouts in 45.0 IP. From May 26-July 5, he reeled off seven straight victories while averaging over six innings per start. During this stretch, he had a 1.13 ERA and held opponents to a .549 OPS. His impressive stretch meant he was named the starter for the FSL South Division All-Stars. His first six starts at Double-A saw him post an ERA north of 5.00. From there, he settled in with a 3.16 ERA while averaging more than seven innings per start in his last five appearances.

 

Jorge was added to the 40-man roster leading into the 2017 season. This is one of the reasons he will be making a start on Saturday as the Twins needed someone to make a spot start. However, he has been doing well in his second stint at Double-A. Through 14 starts, he has a 3.26 ERA and a 61 to 22 strikeout to walk ratio. His eight wins are the second most in the entire Southern League.

 

Scouting Report

The Twins list Jorge at 6-foot-2 and 170 pounds so he doesn't exactly look overpowering on the mound. He can hit in the low 90s with his fastball which can surprise some hitters because of his size. He doesn't strike out a lot of batters but he always stays around the zone. Jorge prefers to pitch in the lower half of the zone so he can coax ground balls from the batters. He also uses a change-up and a late-breaking slider to help him get more ground ball outs. Overall, the hope is that he can develop into a mid-rotation starter who can help the Twins as they fight their way back into contention.

 

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[ahart10]

Bold move for the new FO calling up a prospect. Recycling bin must have been empty. Best of luck to to the young righty.

[Otwins]

Much rather see this than Gee. Good luck Felix

[DocBauer]

Another to consider, referring to the recent article by Seth regarding the trio of pitching prospects at AA, is that he's been pitching better and better as the season has gone along. This is a bold move to be sure, but I think a wise one. Forget street FA, give a top prospect a day in the sun to experience ML life.

[Brandon]

With his failure at cedar rapids and bouncing back should give him and the front office the confidence to know a set back in his first start is not the end of the world and he should be able to handle it.

[Han Joelo]

Reading Molitor's comments, they seemed impressed with his composure and whatnot. I think, though, the idea was for Santana and Berrios to show him how it's done. Whoops. Strike one.

[Seth Stohs]

I'm looking forward to it. He's intriguing. His ceiling is probably #3 starter. More likely he's a #4/5. He attacks the zone, 89-92. Has touched 94. Curveball. Changeup. He throws a lot of strikes, so he'll give up some hits. Not a lot of strikeouts. l

 

Never know what will happen in one game... but I think it's a good move. He should head back to Chattanooga after the start... It'll be interesting to see whether he stays with the Lookouts the rest of the season, or moves up to Rochester. Either is justifiable.

[HitInAPinch]

I like what the brass is doing here.  

[Monkeypaws]

I got to watch Felix pitch an inning in that ill-fated move to the pen in Cedar Rapids. As I recall, he looked pretty smooth and easy out there on the mound. Rooting for him.

[jimmer]

I was just saying yesterday that what the Twins need are more pitch to contact pitchers.  Nice to see the FO oblige.

 

Hope you have a great game Felix!

[drjim]

I like what the brass is doing here.

I personally would have preferred Romero, but certainly more inspiring than Gee, which was the move I expected. A lot to like.

[Badsmerf]

He was my adopt a prospect for a long time. Good luck to him. I feel that he will have an adjustment period.

[Parker Hageman]

Jorge has a nice lull in his mechanics. Makes the fastball sneaky and jump on a hitter despite the so-so velo. 

 

http://i.imgur.com/m7LPdAw.gif

 

Bert really likes to talk about how pitchers should really *PUUUUSH* off that rubber. Places like Driveline Baseball have collected data that proves the push off isn't a key factor in a pitcher's velocity, the hip turn is. Jorge is so free and easy. I'm sure at some point that will be commented on from the booth (although it's Morris not Blyleven this series). 

 

http://i.imgur.com/e9dXEXw.gif

 

There's some more great footage that Twins Daily regular Bob Sacamento grabbed of Felix Jorge on YouTube. Be sure to check it out. 

[Doomtints]

I have always been higher on Jorge than other people, but I am unsure about this move at this time. It's unfortunate that the Twins have to dig this deep just to make it through the weekend, but this is their own fault.

[yarnivek1972]

I have always been higher on Jorge than other people, but I am unsure about this move at this time. It's unfortunate that the Twins have to dig this deep just to make it through the weekend, but this is their own fault.

The Twins are responsible for a rainstorm that passed over Kansas City 2 months ago?

 

 

[kab21]

I also got see one of his bullpen games in CR that year (one of my few trips home to MN). Looked it up - 5/29 Eades started and Jorge relieved. I remember wanting to see Stewart but my schedule was busy.

 

 

 

I personally would have preferred Romero, but certainly more inspiring than Gee, which was the move I expected. A lot to like.

No reason to make a 40 man move for a spot start in a doubleheader. I still think (more like hope) we see Romero in August in the bullpen. My bad - he is on the 40 man.

 

 

I have always been higher on Jorge than other people, but I am unsure about this move at this time. It's unfortunate that the Twins have to dig this deep just to make it through the weekend, but this is their own fault.

This is a singular spot start and imo it is the perfect situation to call up a prospect that is likely still a year away. There is no pressure to pitch well enough to stay up since that isn't an expectation and he gets to be in the big league clubhouse with everyone.

 

Edited July 2, 2017 by kab21

[Doomtints]

 

The Twins are responsible for a rainstorm that passed over Kansas City 2 months ago?

 

http://www.mathematics-monster.com/images5/obtuse_angle.jpg