State College Spikes pitcher Luis Hederia will make his New York-Penn League debut Thursday against Williamsport at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park.

The 17-year-old Heredia is the youngest player in the Spikes’ seven-year history. The Pirates signed the right-hander for $2.6 million as a non-drafted free agent out of Mexico.

Heredia has never pitched north of Florida. He went 1-2 with a 4.75 in 12 rookie Gulf Coast League outings last season.

The Pirates are enthusiastic about Heredia’s potential. The 6-foot-6 Heredia doesn’t turn 18 until August.

“Any time you talk about a big, physical pitcher that can touch mid-90s with his fastball and can spin a breaking ball you start to get excited,” assistant general manager Kyle Stark said. “He can do those things. He’s obviously 17 years old, and he’s far from where he wants to be and where he's going to end up. There’s definitely things to dream on with him.”

Jason Creasy, a 2011 eighth-round draft pick last, will start Monday’s opener at Williamsport. Joely Rodriguez, who has spent parts of the past two seasons in State College, is starting Tuesday’s home opener. Jacob Burnette, a 2011 seventh-round pick, makes his NY-PL on Wednesday at Williamsport.

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