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On Tuesday the Seattle Mariners promoted right-handed pitcher Emilio Pagan to the major league roster. He pitched yesterday against the Los Angeles Angels and got hit hard, giving up three hits and three runs in one-third of an inning, but he has a good track record overall and more chances will come. Let’s take a quick look.
Pagan was drafted by the Mariners in the 10th round in 2013 from Belmont Abbey. He was successful right away as an A-ball closer, putting in solid 2014 and 2015 seasons, then reached the high minors in 2016 and continued performing well, posting a 2.49 ERA in 65 innings between Double-A and Triple-A with an 84/29 K/BB. He threw 11 more innings for Triple-A Tacoma this year, running up 3.27 ERA with an 18/7 K/BB.
Pagan is listed at 6-3, 210, born May 7th, 1991. He features a classic middle relief profile with a 92-94 MPH fastball and a slider that has been effective against both left and right-handed hitters, at least when his command is working. He has been a successful minor league closer but projects in the back part of a major league pen.
Arizona Fall League video from Aaron Thorn