Seattle Mariners Pick Up LHP David Rollins in the Rule 5 Draft from the Astros

The Seattle Mariners didn’t lose any players in any phase of Thursday’s Rule 5 draft, though the team did pick up left-hand pitcher David Rollins from the Houston Astros organization.

Rollins, 24, was the 12th player selected in the Major League phase of the Rule 5 draft.

The Mariners have shown repeated interest in David Rollins in the past, as the Mariners selected him twice in the MLB player draft. They drafted him in the 23rd round in 2009, and drafted him again in 2010 in the 46th round. Rollins didn’t sign on either of those occasions, and eventually signed a deal with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2011 after being drafted in the 24th round. He was drafted out of San Jacinto Junior College in Texas.

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Through 4 seasons in the Minor Leagues, David Rollins has a 23-16 record with a 3.39 ERA, and 343 strikeouts over 358 2/3 innings. This came over 88 total games, including 64 starts in the minors. With Corpus Christi last season– the Astro’s Double-A affiliate– Rollins went 3-4 with a 3.81 ERA in 27 games, 12 of which he started.

When interviewed at the Winter Meetings about the Rule 5 pickup, GM Jack Zduriencik said this:

"“He’s got a pretty good fastball, a 94-95 mph arm…He’s got a breaking ball, he’s got velocity, he’s a tough kid and we have history with him. We’ll give him a chance to come in and see what happens. It’s another strong arm and from the left-hand side.”"

David Rollins, GMZ added, will be given at shot at winning a bullpen spot for the 2015 season.

The Mariners of course have left-handed bullpen incumbents in always-jovial Charlie Furbush and the up-and-down Lucas Luetge. Many also suspect the M’s may re-sign Joe Beimel this offseason, a left-hander who rebounded last season after years plagued with injuries.

Regarding the Rule 5 pick: if David Rollins does not spend the entire season on the M’s 25-man roster, he is offered the opportunity to return to the team from which he was selected (the Astros). Therefore, if Rollins doesn’t earn a relief spot in the ‘Pen to start the season, he will have the chance to move back to the Astros organization.

Now, with Rollins added to the 40-man roster, the roster is full at 40. The Mariners made no major moves at these Winter Meetings, but groundwork has been laid on a number of potential deals.

So, if David Rollins doesn’t make the squad in 2015, he will be leaving the Mariners very soon. But don’t be shocked if the youngster impresses this Mariners organization.