Long-shot Rollins fights for spot in M’s bullpen

PEORIA, Ariz. — There is a point, generally, when every long shot in a big-league camp realizes his dream will likely remain on hold or just might — might — come true.

Left-hander David Rollins, a Rule 5 pick from Houston, has worked 51/3 scoreless innings this spring for the Seattle Mariners in five appearances. He has six strikeouts and hasn’t walked a batter.

And since one the Mariners’ few position battles is to find a second lefty reliever for their bullpen, that prompted an obvious first question Tuesday for Rollins: Is he at that seminal point for a long shot?

(Nearly all Rule 5 picks are, by definition, long shots.)

“It’s just all about the competition,” Rollins responded in a slow Texas drawl. “There are other guys out here who I’m competing against. I’m just trying to do the best I can.”

(Pause.)

You know, Rollins was asked as a follow-up, that ultra-cliched response could have come straight out of “Bull Durham?”

Rollins: “I actually watched that (Monday) on the day off.”

Rollins, 25, contends the Mariners have yet to see him at his best. He contends he’s “lost my slider a little bit.” That’s forced him to rely more on his fastball and changeup.

And this is a new role for Rollins, who has always been a starter or a piggyback reliever in his four minor-league seasons. (A piggyback reliever is, in effect, a second starter in the manner of his usage.)

But…

“I like it a lot,” Rollins said. “You come out, and your team is depending on you to get the outs. I like being in that spot. It’s been pretty fun so far.”

And cliches aside, he is now positioned to win a job in the bullpen. His chief competition, at this point, shapes up as Tyler Olson, who is also seeking to make the jump from Double-A starter to big-league reliever.

Olson’s spring log shows six scoreless innings, while the three other candidates — Lucas Luetge, Rafael Perez and Joe Saunders — have all experienced some rough moments.

“It’s still early,” manager Lloyd McClendon said. “One thing I know with veterans is it takes them a little longer in the spring. I’m not going to be quick to judge.”

But McClendon says he harbors no hesitation in promoting a pitcher straight from Double-A and points, as proof, to the decision last spring to break camp with Roenis Elias in the rotation.

“And (Elias) won double figures for us last year,” McClendon said. “I’m not afraid of that. As (former second baseman) Bill Mazeroski said, ‘Age is just a number.’ I think he was 19 when he (was a rookie).”

OK, no decision is imminent. Got it. But if the Mariners eventually face a choice between Rollins and Olson — and if that competition is viewed as close — circumstances favor Rollins because of his Rule 5 status.

While Olson can simply be reassigned to minor-league camp, Rollins must remain on the big-league roster for the entire season or clear waivers and be offered back to the Astros for $25,000 before he can be sent to the minors.

“If he’s good enough that you’d want to keep him around,” one club official said, “he’s probably too good to clear waivers or for the Astros not to want him back.”

That’s the point, in fact, of the Rule 5 Draft: To prevent players who have sufficient pro service from being held in the minors by another club when they’re good enough to play elsewhere in the big leagues.

Rollins was pitching for Santurce in Puerto Rico, after going 3-4 with a 3.81 earned-run average in 78 innings last season at Double-A Corpus Christi, when he learned he’d been picked by the Mariners on Dec. 11 in the Rule 5 Draft.

“I had no idea of what was going on,” he recalled. “My phone was blowing up. People were tweeting at me. Then my roommate comes running up and says, ‘You got picked up by the Mariners!’

“I said, ‘That’s pretty awesome, dude.’ I was pretty excited about it.”

Now, a spot on the big-league roster is almost within reach.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.