Mauricio Robles

Robles missed most of last season after undergoing elbow surgery in March. He returned late in the year, playing 12 games across three levels. As might be expected, his control was atrocious. He struck out 33 and walked 33 in 32.1 innings. He still has good upside, though, with a mid-to-high-90s fastball and an above average change-up, presuming he's healthy, of course.

A converted outfielder, Robles is a power lefty who posted a 120:51 K:BB in 22 starts at Double-A West Tennessee (114 innings) last season before an August promotion to Triple-A Tacoma. He kept up the strikeout rate in Tacoma (10.9 K/9IP) but had control problems as he walked 20 in 28 innings. Opponents hit just .188 off him, however. Robles has good upside with a mid-to-high-90s fastball and an above average changeup that routinely fools hitters. The Mariners might consider converting him to a LOOGY reliever, but either way his future appears bright.

Robles came to Seattle as part of the Jarrod Washburn trade in July. He pitched well as a 20-year-old across two Single-A levels with a 10.55 K/9IP, and there seems to be a future for him in the organization. A converted outfielder, Robles may struggle as he moves up to higher levels, but he's got good stuff (combined 145:60 K:BB in 123.2 innings) and his secondary stuff will ultimately determine his long-term role and value.