Mariners Minors: Checking in with the Everett AquaSox

Darin Gillies pitching for the Everett AquaSox on August 11th. (Photo Credit: Brian Helberg)

Darin Gillies – RHP

Selected in the 10th round of the 2015 draft, Darin Gillies has seen time as a starter and a reliever with the AquaSox this season. It was a bullpen kind of game on Tuesday, and Gillies was one of the few effective hurlers on either team. The 22-year-old right-hander allowed 1 earned run on 6 hits through 4.1 innings. Gillies struck out 2 and walked 1, but was credited with a blown save.

Gillies relies heavily on a low 90’s fastball. He locates it pretty well, and it constantly hovers in the 92-93 mph range. His other pitches are still developing, but his change up looks like a pitch that could be a nice complimentary piece down the road.

Gillies is having a solid debut season in Everett. He has appeared in 11 games, with 6 starts. Gillies is 1-2 on the season with a 4.50 ERA. He has fanned 27 and walked 16 across 32 innings pitched.

The Arizona State alum has ideal size for a right-handed starting pitcher. At 6’4/214, it is easy to see Gillies transitioning to the starting rotation as his stuff develops. We will see what the M’s brass opts to do with Gillies, but I think his best chance of making the big leagues will come as a reliever.

Next: Logan Taylor