Ricardo Pinto

Pinto, who was signed out of Venezuela in 2011, opened last season with Low-A Lakewood. He was moved up to High-A Clearwater after going 6-2 with a 3.09 ERA and a 60:18 K:BB ratio in 67 innings. He remained effective at Clearwater, but saw his strikeout rate dip from an 8.1 K/9 ratio to 5.2 K/9 with the move up the ladder. Pinto did slightly improve his walk rate which bodes well for his future success if he can get his strikeout rate back to prior levels. Pinto works in the low-90s with his fastball, but can hit the mid-90s when he needs to. His changeup is considered a plus pitch and he is working to improve his slider. He could move quickly through the Phillies' system given his ability to command his pitches.