The Seattle Mariners reshaped their 40-man roster by selecting Nick Davila’s contract from Double-A Arkansas. They also optioned left-hander bullpen-by-acquiring-josh-simpson/”>Josh Simpson to Triple-A Tacoma.
Davila could make his MLB debut as soon as he appears in a game. Simpson, meanwhile, keeps chasing a bigger role after his stint in Seattle’s camp.
This move adds some depth to Seattle’s bullpen. It shows the club’s ongoing effort to get the most out of its minor-league pipeline—something they seem to care about a lot.
Mariners Rebalance 40-Man Roster with Davila Call-Up
By calling up Davila, the Mariners filled a 40-man vacancy. They sent Simpson back to Tacoma, which is pretty standard as teams juggle immediate needs and long-term plans.
Davila’s rise in the system gives Seattle another right-handed bullpen option, especially handy for split-squad games or when facing lefty-heavy lineups.
Nick Davila: From Undrafted Free Agent to MLB Debut
Background and path to the majors: Davila, 27, comes from Hialeah, Florida. He started as an undrafted free agent, signing with the Detroit Tigers on July 7, 2020.
He joined Seattle on a minor-league deal in March 2023 and has put together a solid minor-league track record over six seasons with both the Tigers and Mariners.
Recent numbers and development: In 2024 with Double-A Arkansas, Davila pitched in eight games and earned two saves. He posted a 2.00 ERA over 9 innings, struck out 10, walked just one, and held opponents to a .182 average with no extra-base hits.
At 6-foot-3, he’s become a versatile bullpen arm. His mix of pitches seems to give hitters trouble at the level just below the majors.
Career arc and credentials: Over 122 minor-league appearances—42 of them starts—he’s 18–29 with a 3.94 ERA. He’s logged 349 2/3 innings, 339 strikeouts, and 104 walks.
Davila played one season at the University of South Florida after transferring from Hillsborough Community College. He even got an invite to Major League Spring Training this year and appeared in seven Cactus League games.
- MLB debut is on deck: Davila will debut as soon as he appears in a big-league game.
- Strong Double-A showing: 2.00 ERA, 9 innings, 10 strikeouts, 0.78 WHIP for Arkansas in 2024.
- Professional journey: Undrafted in 2020, signed by Detroit, joined Mariners in 2023.
- Spring Training experience: Threw in seven Cactus League games this year.
Davila’s ability to handle both short relief and longer outings might help Seattle navigate a crowded bullpen early in the season. The team’s still figuring out who deserves those high-leverage spots, and Davila could force their hand if he keeps this up.
Josh Simpson: A Left-Handed Depth Piece Sent Down to Tacoma
Profile and recent form: Simpson, 28, is Seattle’s left-hander who got recalled before Friday’s game. The team then optioned him to Triple-A after the roster move.
He’s pitched in nine games for Tacoma this season. His ERA sits at a sparkling 0.96, with 12 strikeouts and six walks—decent numbers for a bullpen arm who could help when needed.
Background and transactions: Simpson came over from the Miami Marlins on Feb. 16 for cash considerations. He also spent some time with the Mariners in spring camp.
He broke into MLB with the Marlins in 2025, appearing in 31 games. Simpson went 4–2 with a 7.34 ERA, 36 strikeouts, and 22 walks—definitely a bumpy ride, but he’s got experience.
His journey started when the Marlins picked him out of Columbia University in the 32nd round of the 2019 draft. Not exactly a headline-grabbing pick, but he’s proof that late-rounders can make it with enough grit (and maybe a little luck).
- Ta-da depth: Simpson gives Tacoma a versatile lefty option in the bullpen and stays on Seattle’s radar for a potential call-up.
- MLB experience: 31 games with the Marlins in 2025; 4–2 record, 7.34 ERA, 36 K, 22 BB.
- Columbia alum: A 2019 32nd-round pick who’s managed to carve out a major-league opportunity after a winding minor-league path.
Here is the source article for this story: Mariners call up righty Davila to reinforce ‘pen; Simpson optioned
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