It is a sign of the Mariners’ improving bullpen that right-hander Dan Altavilla is no lock to make the opening day roster.
Altavilla, 24, is a power pitcher with closer potential who created a stir after he gave up just one run over 12 1/3 innings in 15 appearances last season following a late August jump from Double-A Jackson to the big leagues.
"I love what I saw from Altavilla," manager Scott Servais gushed recently. "I think he’s got a very bright future ahead of him."
He’s also got a lot of competition as Mariners prepare to hold their first official spring workout Wednesday for pitchers and catchers at the Peoria Sports Complex.