The former Mariners shortstop returns to the Kansas City Royals on Monday

It’s been a long time coming, but on Monday night, former Seattle Mariners reliever Dan Altavilla made a triumphant return to the field as a member of the Kansas City Royals.

Although the Royals lost to the New York Yankees, Altavilla returned to the mound and pitched his major league innings within three years, an incredible achievement and show of perseverance.

According to Jack Johnson from the Locked on Royals podcast:

That’s pretty damn cool of Dan Altavilla.

First big league inning in 3 years and he hits 2 in a perfect inning. At the top of 97.

What a story. #Royals

The 31-year-old Pennsylvania native was once a standout member of the M’s, playing 108 games over five seasons with Seattle. He added 41 in 2017 and was ultimately traded to the Padres during the Covid-19 season. He played with the Padres in 2020 and 2021 before pitching to a major league pitch only on Monday.

Altavilla’s lifetime record is 8-7 with an ERA of 4.00. Over those five seasons in Seattle, he had an ERA of 4.08, striking out 117 batters in 106.0 innings in Seattle. He helped the Padres make the playoffs in the 2020 season.

If Altavilla can stay with the Royals now, he has a great chance to resurrect his career. Still young, he could have a very significant second act.

After Sunday’s loss to the Mariners, the Royals have lost two straight games.

They will face the Yankees again on Tuesday night at Kaufmann Stadium.

Continue to follow Inside the Mariners on social media, like us on Facebook and follow Brady on “X” @wdevradiobrady

1) Cal Raleigh joins Rare M history in Monday’s walk-off grand slam

2) Luke Raley does something that hasn’t been done in the last 22 years of the team’s history

3) Mariners 2024 schedule with match dates and results