Very popular reliever David Rollins selected off waivers for the fifth (!) time this offseason
Since his debut on July 4, 2015, David Rollins has pitched in 31 games in MLB. Last season, he pitched 9 1/3 innings over 11 games out of the Mariners bullpen, with a 7.71 ERA, 6.90 FIP and six strikeouts. And this offseason, he has been the most popular player on the Hot Stove.
As rigorously chronicled over at Big League Stew on Wednesday, Rollins went from the Mariners to the Cubs, then to the Rangers, then to the Phillies and then, on Rollins' 27th birthday, back to the Rangers -- all since Nov. 18, selected off waivers each time.
It has, in Rollins' own words, been quite a month:
Well, guess what? On Friday, Rollins was selected off waivers for a fifth time this offseason, moving from the Rangers back to the Cubs. (Fun fact: Rollins heads to the Cubs as the Rangers picked up Brady Dragmire, who has gone from the Blue Jays to the Pirates to the Rangers to the Pirates and, yes, back to the Rangers.)
Why is Rollins so popular? Well, it could be his skills as a pitcher. Or, it could be his mesmerizing pitch face:
Or his dog. Definitely his dog.
UPDATE: To make room for new acquisition Alec Mills on its 40-man roster, the Cubs have designated Rollins for assignment. We hope he finds a new home soon.