Elias Making a Strong Case For Mariners Rotation

Left-hander Roenis Elias, considered a dark horse to make Seattle's rotation out of spring training, made his first start and fourth appearance. He allowed one run and two hits in five innings as the Mariners beat the Los Angeles Angels 5-3.

The 25-year old Elias,  who defected from Cuba in 2010  went 6-11 with a 3.18 ERA with Double-A Jackson in 2013.

The youngster has quietly impressed the Mariners with his performance this spring and is 2-0 with a 1.23 ERA over 7 1/3 innings over three relief appearances.

Michael Saunders and Dustin Ackley each had an RBI single for Seattle in the first.off starter C.J. Wilson.

He was signed by a Mariners scout after a tryout in 2011, and pitched 11 games in the low Minors that year before going 11-6 with a 3.76 ERA in 26 starts with Class A High Desert in 2012 and then advancing to Jackson last season.