Nick Davila is having a solid rookie season out of the bullpen for the Seattle Mariners. After six seasons in the minor leagues with Seattle and Detroit the Cuban-American hurler has finally broken through to debut on the grand stage.
In 15 games pitched for the team from the Great Northwest this season Davila sports a 2.16 earned run average, nine strikeouts, a save and a hold. In 16⅔ innings hitters have paltry .161 against the right-hander and Davila also has a 1.14 WHIP on the campaign.
After a solid first half of the season the righty is looking not only to continue with his solid performance out of the pen but also to expand his role with the pitching corps. Expect the native of Hialeah to continue to be a solid contributor for the Mariners.
Nick, it’s your rookie season, what adjustments have you had to make to succeed in the major leagues?
The only adjustments I’ve had to make is just getting used to the venues that we play at and being available every day, it’s still the same game.So I just gotta throw strikes, throw quality pitches, just win your O’s and your ones.
You’ve done a little of everything with the ballclub this year, so what is your actual role?
To be available and be available in whatever position they throw me in. That’s my job.
How does it help you as a pitcher, pitching most of your games in T-Mobile ballpark?
It’s electric.You know, the fans are really behind us and you feel it every time you’re throwing there, and the people really get behind you. I love Seattle.
Being of Cuban descent, how does it feel to come home?
It feels great.You know, seeing my grandparents come out. They left Cuba in the 80s on the Mariel boatlift. They came on a boat over here and gave me the opportunity I have today to pursue my dreams.
There is another Cuban on the ballclub, Randy Arozarena. How has he helped you adapt to the major leagues? Has he given you any advice?
Randy and I just joke around all the time. Nothing really about the advice stuff. But he’s a great teammate and we just kind of have that Cuban camaraderie, for sure.
Do you aspire one day to be a closer in the major leagues?
I would love to. But, whatever position the team throws me in, you know, I’m available for.
Do you have any goals for what’s left of this season? The second half, actually.
Just stay healthy and finish strong.