Mariners Believe Ex-Dodgers Lefty Can Solve Bullpen Woes

Robinson Ortiz, a 26-year-old southpaw, could be the answer to Seattle's need for a third lefty reliever.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The Seattle Mariners, one of the most complete teams in baseball, may have a need for a left-handed reliever in their bullpen. ESPN's Bradford Doolittle suggests that the team could find the solution in Robinson Ortiz, a 26-year-old left-handed pitcher who was previously in the Los Angeles Dodgers' minor league system.

Why it matters

The Mariners are considered a World Series contender, and if their biggest concern is finding a third lefty reliever, that means their roster is in pretty good shape. Ortiz, who has never pitched in the majors but had a strong 2025 season in the minors, could be the under-the-radar pickup that helps solidify the Mariners' bullpen.

The details

Ortiz is a 6-foot tall left-handed pitcher from the Dominican Republic. He had a 2.76 ERA in 15 appearances for the Dodgers' Triple-A affiliate in 2025 and put up a 2.73 ERA with 10.9 strikeouts per nine innings across three minor league levels that year. Ortiz missed the 2022 and 2023 seasons, which set back his development, and the Dodgers did not re-sign him this offseason, opening the door for the Mariners to add him to their roster.

  • Ortiz had a strong 2025 season in the minors.
  • Ortiz missed the 2022 and 2023 seasons, setting back his development.
  • The Dodgers did not re-sign Ortiz this offseason.

The players

Robinson Ortiz

A 26-year-old left-handed pitcher from the Dominican Republic who was previously in the Los Angeles Dodgers' minor league system.

Seattle Mariners

A Major League Baseball team that is considered a World Series contender and is looking to add a left-handed reliever to their bullpen.

Bradford Doolittle

An ESPN writer who suggested that the Mariners could find a solution to their bullpen need in Robinson Ortiz.

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What they’re saying

“If you're looking at the roster of a World Series contender and your main critique is that it could use a third bullpen lefty, that roster is in pretty good condition.”

— Bradford Doolittle, ESPN Writer (ESPN)

“I've been warned that an off-the-radar pickup over the winter -- ex-Dodgers lefty relief prospect Robinson Ortiz -- bears watching. In other words, maybe there is nothing to nitpick about this Seattle roster after all.”

— Bradford Doolittle, ESPN Writer (ESPN)

The takeaway

The Mariners' potential addition of Robinson Ortiz, a left-handed relief prospect, could be an under-the-radar move that helps solidify their bullpen and strengthen their chances as a World Series contender. Ortiz's strong minor league performance in 2025, combined with the Mariners' need for a third lefty reliever, makes him an intriguing option that could pay dividends for Seattle.