Mariano Rivera III Benefiting From Move To Bullpen

Mariano Rivera III has benefited from a full-time move to the bullpen in late July.

Drafted by the Washington Nationals in the fourth round this past June, Rivera has had mixed results in the short-season New York-Penn League, where he's pitched to a 6.26 ERA in 23 innings over 12 appearances for Auburn.

Rivera was mostly a starter during his college career, but has taken to late-inning work. The 21-year-old has three saves in as many opportunities while posting a 1.93 ERA with 12 strikeouts over 14 innings (nine appearances).

"Coming out of the bullpen has a totally different feel compared to starting, but I'm actually enjoying it more," said Rivera.

He added, "In college, I always knew when I was scheduled to throw. But as a reliever, you may feel great some days but it doesn't mean you're going to get in a game.

"I think I'll be polished to come out of the bullpen, whether it's as a long or late-innings guy. I'll do whatever they want me to do, but the bullpen is where I think I'll stay."