Mariners select LHP David Rollins in Rule 5 draft

The Mariners will not be leaving the Winter Meetings empty-handed as they pick up left-handed reliever David Rollins from the Astros in the Rule 5 Draft. Rollins must stay on the Mariners’ 25-man roster for the entire season or be offered back to Houston for $25,000.

Rollins, 24, was drafted by the Mariners in the 2008 and 2009 drafts but did not sign until he was selected by the Blue Jays in the 24th round in 2011. The Astros acquired him as part of a trade with the Blue Jays, which interestingly enough included sending current Mariners pitcher J.A. Happ to Toronto. Rollins spent last season with Houston’s Double-A affiliate, where he made 12 starts and pitched in 27 games. In total, he pitched 78 innings and put up a 3.81 ERA.

The Mariners do need another lefty in the bullpen next year and Rollins will compete for that spot. This does not preclude the Mariners from signing another lefty, perhaps even Joe Beimel, as Rollins can simply be offered back to the Astros if he does not make the big-league roster.

The last Rule 5 player to stick with the Mariners was another lefty reliever, Lucas Luetge, whom the Mariners selected in 2011.

The Mariners did not lose anyone in the Major League portion of the Rule 5 Draft. With the acquisition of Rollins, the 40-man roster is now full.

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