Tacoma Rainiers Announce 2015 Opening Day Roster
Published on April 7, 2015 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Tacoma Rainiers News Release
TACOMA, Wash. -- The Tacoma Rainiers today announced the team's 2015 Opening Day roster in preparation for the club's opening tilt this Thursday, April 9 at the El Paso Chihuahuas. A corps of 13 returning players and 12 newcomers comprise the 25-man roster headlined by two of the top four prospects in the Seattle Mariners farm system.
Infielder Ketel Marte, ranked as the No. 3 prospect in the Mariners organization by Baseball America, fronts a class of young talent when he makes his return to Cheney Stadium. Marte made his Triple-A debut on August 11 and appeared in 19 games to close out the season. Marte was named to the Southern League Mid- and Post-Season All-Star teams after hitting .302 with 46 RBI for Jackson. In his time with Tacoma, the 21-year-old Dominican native notched 25 hits and posted a .313 batting average.
Alongside Marte will be newcomer, and No. 4 ranked prospect by Baseball America, outfielder Patrick Kivlehan. Kivlehan makes his Triple-A debut after combining to hit .295 across time with Advanced-A High Desert and Double-A Jackson last year. His 103 total RBI ranked seventh among all MiLB players in 2014, earning him the Mariners Unsung Hero Award.
Returning to roam the outfield in Cheney Stadium in 2014 is James Jones, who split his 2014 campaign between Tacoma and Seattle. In 108 games with the Mariners during his rookie campaign, Jones led the club in stolen bases with 27, the most by a rookie in a single season since Ichiro.
Anchoring the Rainiers rotation is experienced Major League left-handed pitcher Roenis Elias. Elias logged 29 starts with Seattle last year, posting a 10-12 record with a 3.85 ERA. In his lone Triple-A start on August 13 at New Orleans, Elias tossed 5.0 innings of scoreless, no-hit ball. He is flanked by returning right-handed pitcher Jordan Pries, who earned Mariners Minor League Co-Starting Pitcher of the Year honors after posting a 9-8 record with a 4.06 ERA in 24 starts with the Rainiers.
Returning outfielder Stefen Romero, who split 2014 between Tacoma and Seattle, headlines a veteran outfield unit. Across two stints with the Rainiers last season, Romero hit .358 with 12 home runs, the third best mark on the team. The former 12th round pick made his Major League debut on April 1, 2014 against the Los Angeles Angels and spent a total of 72 games with Seattle.
Surrounding the core of young talent in Tacoma is a strong Major League veteran presence, highlighted by Elias and rounded out by catcher John Baker, outfielder Franklin Gutierrez, infielder Jesus Montero, starting pitcher Joe Saunders, and relief pitchers Lucas Luetge and Mark Lowe.
Saunders, a Major League veteran left-hander, makes his return to the Mariners organization after spending last year with three organizations and six teams. Saunders managed an 11-16 record with a 5.26 ERA through 32 starts with the Mariners in 2013. Baker saw time behind the plate in 68 games with the Chicago Cubs last year, while Lowe has logged over 271 Major League appearances during his 11 professional seasons.
Rounding out the returning players are catcher John Hicks, outfielder Jabari Blash, infielder Leury Bonilla, and relief pitchers Logan Bawcom and Forrest Snow.
Left-handed starting pitchers Mike Kickham and Mike Montgomery begin their first season in the Mariners organization with Tacoma. The pair of southpaws both struck out over seven batters per nine innings pitched in 2014.
Also making their first appearances in Tacoma this season are infielders Carlos Rivero and Shawn O'Malley, and right-handed pitchers Sam Gaviglio, Justin Germano, Mayckol Guaipe, and Dominic Leone.
The Rainiers 2015 roster can be seen during Opening Weekend at Cheney Stadium beginning at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 17. Tickets to 2015 Opening Weekend, as well as season tickets, group outings and suites packages, are available for purchase in-person at the Cheney Stadium Box Office, online at www.tacomarainiers.com, or over the phone at (253) 752-7707. The most up-to-date news and notes about the Rainiers leading into the season can be found by following the Rainiers on Twitter (@RainiersLand) or liking the team on Facebook.
Pacific Coast League Stories from April 7, 2015
- Rockies Ace Jorge De La Rosa Scheduled to Make Opening Day Rehab Start with Isotopes - Albuquerque Isotopes
- Kela Robinson Celebrates "Home Run for Life" Thursday with OKC - Oklahoma City Comets
- Purple Sundays Coming to Isotopes Park - Albuquerque Isotopes
- Tacoma Rainiers Announce 2015 Opening Day Roster - Tacoma Rainiers
- River Cats Open Season with Eight-Game Homestand - Sacramento River Cats
- OKC Dodgers Open 2015 Season Thursday Night - Oklahoma City Comets
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
