The Seattle Mariners made an under-the-radar pitching move Friday that they hope pays short-term dividends.
To create roster space, the M's had to send down rookie starter Logan Evans, who has a 3.38 ERA so far.
Coming up in Evans' place is right-handed reliever Zach Pop.
Pop began the season with the Blue Jays but was released in April. He's been pitching for Triple-A Tacoma since, just waiting for his chance.
The 28-year old Pop threw 48.1 innings for Toronto last season with a 5.59 ERA.
His calling card is his mid-90s sinker that has earned him a 55% ground-ball rate as an MLB pitcher.
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It's at least a different look out of the bullpen for Seattle.
Pop, originally from Canada, was a seventh-round pick by the Dodgers in 2017 out of Kentucky.
He pitched for the Marlins in the majors before he joined Toronto.
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At Triple-A Tacoma this season, Pop has a 3.52 ERA in nine relief outings. He has six strikeouts in 7.2 innings pitched.
His sinker does allow him to limit home runs. Pop has only allowed 0.5 homers per nine innings in his professional career.
Sounds like if the Mariners need a double-play ball induced by a reliever, Pop is their guy.
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