12:23pm: The Mariners have officially announced Nola’s addition to the roster.
12:09am: The Mariners will call up catcher/utility infielder Austin Nola to the majors, manager Scott Servais told reporters following tonight’s game. Nola will take the roster spot left open after Edwin Encarnacion was traded to the Yankees earlier today.
This will mark the first time that the 29-year-old Nola has appeared in the big leagues, following an eight-year professional career largely spent in Miami’s farm system. Originally drafted in the fifth round by the Marlins in the 2012 draft, Nola (the older brother of Phillies righty Aaron Nola) has a modest .252/.340/.339 slash line over 3085 PA in the minors, though he has broken out in his first season in the Mariners’ organization.
After being let go by the Marlins after the 2018 campaign, Nola has hit an impressive .327/.415/.520 with seven home runs over 229 PA for Triple-A Tacoma. While Nola is older than a lot of his competition and it’s probably unlikely he’s a late bloomer, his success has nevertheless earned him a trip to the Show.
Nola brings some unusual versatility to Seattle’s bench, as he shifted to catching in 2017 after primarily playing middle infield for his first several seasons. Most of Nola’s work has come behind the plate over the last three seasons, though he has also seen time at both corner infield spots. At the very least, he can spell first baseman Daniel Vogelbach against tough lefties, while also backing up third base and giving the M’s more catching depth behind Omar Narvaez and Tom Murphy.
Go Mariners!
Well earned.
Yep..he deserves this opportunity.
Like to see things like this, well rewarded for his perseverance. I always wonder what it must be like for one brother to “struggle” and the other to have success. I’d imagine they’re happy for him but also a bit jealous right?
As an older brother, I can say you are correct. My little brother is a national level swimmer whereas I struggled to get into a college program. I am ridiculously proud of him and am his biggest cheerleader but I wish I had half the talent he has.
everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses. I’m sure there are aspects of life that Austin has more ability in than Aaron. just so happens that baseball probably isn’t one of them.
He got a hit in his first at bat
Fun fact: Nola wore his name on both the front and back of his jersey when he played for New Orleans (NOLA) in the Marlins system.
that actually is a fun fact, thanks!
This is exactly what Seattle should be doing in a step-back year, and it’s not like Nola hasn’t earned this. He’s dominated AAA from the beginning.
Now, about Ian Miller.
Absolutely right if a team like Seattle isnt going to make it then find out what you have in players in the system. It may end up finding diamonds in the ruff. It can shave years off the rebuild to a retool like the Brewers did .
I just mentioned Miller yesterday. Give him a shot as Mac is no bueno
Glad to see another LSU alum earn a MLB call up. I had the pleasure of watching he and his brother since their high school days. Wishing him the best of luck.
He’ll be traded within two weeks. DiPoto needs his fix!
So original
I thought that said Aaron Nola at first and I was very confused.
Sounds a lot like the path Robinson Chirinos took to get to the bigs. Was a poor hitting middle infielder in the Cubs system until he gave catching a shot and saw a 280 pt improvement in his OPS. I wonder if being behind the plate gives them a new perspective on how pitchers are trying to attack them. There’s obviously not enough of a sample but it merits further investigation at the very least I would think