Mariners Analysis: RHP Donn Roach is having a Phenomenal Spring

The Seattle Mariners are reportedly trying to acquire a reliever, but could Donn Roach be the answer to the M’s bullpen woes?

Not much was expected from Donn Roach when the Seattle Mariners inked him to a free agent deal this past December, but he has arguably been the M’s best hurler this spring in Arizona. Roach has only pitched 33.2 career innings in the big leagues, but he is making a strong case to open the season in the Emerald City.

The 26-year-old right-hander has registered a 1.59 ERA with 1 save through 5 appearances this spring with the Mariners. Roach is tied for the club lead with 13 strikeouts, and he has yet to issue a free pass in 11.1 innings pitched. The opposition is hitting .333 off him in Cactus League play, but he has done a nice job limiting the damage.

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Roach’s last three outings have been his best. He hurled a pair of scoreless frames against the San Francisco Giants on March 11. Roach then held the Los Angeles Angels off the scoreboard for 3 innings on March 15, and repeated the feat against the Los Angeles Dodgers on March 21. All told, he has pitched 8 consecutive shutout innings while allowing 6 hits and striking out 12.

Originally selected in the second round of the 2010 draft by the Los Angeles Angels, Roach made his big league debut during the 2014 season with the San Diego Padres. He went 1-0 with a 4.75 ERA across 16 appearances with the Padres. He allowed 1.681 walks/hits per inning, and posted a dismal 1.13 strikeout to walk ratio.

Roach reached the big leagues once again during the 2015 season, but this time he was pitching for the Chicago Cubs. He only made 1 appearance with the Cubbies, allowing 4 runs on 8 hits through 3.1 innings en route to pitching up his first career loss.

Despite his issues in the Major Leagues, the University of Arizona alum has been a very reliable pitcher during his minor-league career. Roach made 23 starts last season in Class-AAA as a member of three different organizations, going 9-6 with a 3.34 ERA. He struck out just 3.3 hitters per 9 innings, but he issued only 1.6 walks per 9 innings. He rarely missed bats in 2015, so it is surprising he has racked up so many punch outs this spring in Peoria.

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Roach is a sinkerballer, and relies heavily on changing speeds and hitting his spots. He will not overpower hitters, as his fastball sits in the 88 mph range. However, he can be a very effective reliever if he can keep the ball low in the zone. His extensive history as a starter in the minor-leagues could make him a very versatile arm in the Mariners’ bullpen this season.

Jon Heyman of MLB Network is reporting that the Mariners are attempting to trade for a middle reliever before opening day. The M’s bullpen has been hit hard by injuries this spring, and it makes sense that they are looking for arms. It’s likely someone like Jesus Montero could be dealt for pitching depth.

Next: What is Jesus Montero’s Future with Seattle?

However, before Jerry Dipoto pulls the trigger on a trade, maybe he should give Donn Roach an opportunity in the Mariners’ bullpen. Roach has been very productive during his minor-league career, and based on his work this spring, he deserves a shot in Seattle.