University of Hawaii reliever Dylan Thomas did not hesitate in shaking off the pitch.

Thomas had set a pre-draft ballpark price, roughly $200,000, to sign a professional baseball contract last summer. But the Minnesota Twins, who selected Thomas in the 38th round of the Major League Baseball draft, did not have enough money in their bonus pool to make an acceptable pitch.

“I’m not upset by that,” Thomas said of his decision to turn down the Twins’ offer and return to UH for his junior season. “I think everything works out for a reason. I definitely think going to the Cape (Cod League) this summer, and having the success I did, and coming back here, is going to to be a lot better for me than the position I was in last year.”

NCAA Division I players are eligible for the draft if they have been in college for at least three years. Thomas redshirted as a freshman in 2016, and was the Rainbow Warriors’ closer the past two seasons. In 2018, Thomas had 14 saves, most among Big West pitchers. Last year, he was named the Cape Cod summer league’s best relief pitcher. In 19 games for the Hyannis Harbor (Mass.) Hawks, Thomas was 3-0 with nine saves and a 1.19 ERA. He struck out 43 and walked five in 27 2/3 innings.

“I was definitely excited for how well it went (in the Cape),” Thomas said. “I put in all the work and the time and effort. I was happy to see it pay off. It was an amazing experience.”

Thomas appeared to be in a playful mood before Monday’s first practice of spring-semester training.

“I’m definitely happy to be back,” Thomas said. “It’s awesome.”

Between UH’s 2018 season and the summer league, Thomas pitched 66 2/3 innings. His pitch count was limited in fall training, and he rested during UH’s winter break.

“I’m starting to ramp it up again,” Thomas said. “I’m ready to go.”

UH coach Mike Trapasso is keeping open the option of Thomas becoming a starting pitcher. Any move would depend on whether another closer emerges or if the ’Bows cannot solidify the rotation. There are eight pitchers, not including Thomas, being groomed as possible starters. By the end of the four-week training period, each should be up to 80 pitches per session. This week, Thomas will throw a three-inning session, which equates to 40 pitches. Another inning or 10 pitches will be added each ensuing week.

“Either way, it’ll be good to have the arm strength there,” Thomas said.

Thomas is looking to add to his out pitch, a darting slider. His slider acts as two pitches, depending on whether he applies pressure to the middle or index finger. His slider can break sharply or tail and then cut back.

“The more you have a feel for a pitch, the more control you have,” Thomas said of his slider. “I think that definitely correlates to having success. You can put the ball where you want it when you want it.”

He also is working to master a circle change-up.