A day after Jandel Gustave was selected of waivers by the Padres, another rule 5 pick has made news. Major League Baseball has announced that left-handed pitcher David Rollins has been suspended 80 games for testing positive for Stanozolo.
LHP David Rollins of the @Mariners has received an 80-gm. suspension w/o pay after testing positive for Stanozolol, a perf.-enh. substance.
— MLB Communications (@MLB_PR) March 27, 2015
The Mariners selected Rollins in the Rule 5 draft during the most recent Winter Meetings. Rollins fits the profile of player often selected in the rule 5 draft, a left handed reliever. Rollins posted a 3-4 record with a 3.81 ERA, 71 IP, 77 SO, 22 BB, and a 1.23 WHIP last season with Double-A Corpus Christi. This spring, he has allowed one run through eight innings with seven strikeouts and no walks.
Rollins released a statement through the players through the Players Association:
"My positive test was the result of a serious error in judgment. I know I have disappointed my many supporters; and my sincerest apologies go out to everyone associated with the game of baseball, especially the Seattle Mariners organization, my teammates and the fans. I am truly grateful for the opportunity the Mariners have given me and never again want to compromise this trust. From the bottom of my heart, I deeply regret this mistake and give you my word it will never happen again."
In order for the Mariners to retain Rollins' rights he must be on the Mariners active 25-man roster for 90 of the 183 days on the MLB calendar.
★★★
The Rangers appear to have a clear plan for Delino DeShields Jr., reports Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News. Texas believes the Astros former first-round pick could serve as a weapon on the base paths in late game situations. More power to the Rangers if they can keep a fourth/fifth outfielder that is struggling adjusting to his new position and hasn't been above double-A. DeShields is batting .194 (6-31) with seven strikeouts.