Chicago Cubs Prospect Profile: Rafael Dolis

The Chicago Cubs signed Rafael Dolis as a shortstop out of the Dominican Republic in August of 2004. The twenty-two year old right-hander started pitching in 2006 at the age of 18. Dolis’ development has been slowed by Tommy-John surgery … he missed the entire 2008 season. Dolis has potential to be a top-notch starter, but some think he is better suited a top-tier reliever. Dolis has all the tools necessary to make it to the big leagues and then some. Rafael Dolis features a smoking fastball in the mid to upper 90s that can hit triple digits with some sink to it. His slider has been described as a plus pitch in the 86-88 mph range. His change up is pretty solid but it still needs some fine-tuning.

Rafael Dolis needs to work on his control and cut down on the walks. He is a little green still having only pitched 155.2 innings prior to this year. He also needs to continue to build strength and stamina after his surgery. In 2009 the Cubs were cautious with him. Dolis averaged just below four innings per start a season ago.

Dolis is off to a great start this year for the Daytona Cubs. After five games, four starts, he has a sparkling 1.85 ERA with 14 strikeouts and nine walks for a WHIP of 0.95 in 24.1 innings. If he continues the way he has pitched so far this year it is very likely he will get a promotion to Tennessee (AA) soon. Dolis is on the Cubs 40-man roster so a September call-up is a possibility.

Full Name: Rafael Jose Dolis
Age: 22 (Jan. 10, 1988)
Height: 6’4″
Weight: 215
Bats/Throws: R/R
Position: SP
2010 Baseball America Ranking: 13

Minor League Statistics
2006: Arizona Rookie League- 8.28 ERA -16 BB- 33 SO – 25 innings
2007: Peoria (Low A)- 1.80 ERA-16 BB- 24 SO – 30 innings
2008: Missed the entire year due to injury.
2009: Daytona (High A) – 3.79 ERA- 53 BB- 75 SO- 99.2 innings

Interesting tidbits
– VineLine’s Fifty Names From The Farm – Best Fastball – Rafael Dolis
– So far this year he has a 3.3 walks per nine innings compared to 4.8 in 2007 and 2009.
– He has given up only seven home runs in 179 total Minor League innings

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