Eury does it in relief, too! Pérez helps Marlins spoil Cubs’ clinch bid

Miami Marlins starting pitcher Eury Pérez made his first career professional relief appearance on Tuesday night, helping Miami defeat the Chicago Cubs 8-2 in 12 innings at Wrigley Field. Entering in the eighth inning with the game tied 2-2, Pérez struck out the side on 14 pitches. The victory temporarily prevented Chicago from clinching a postseason berth.

Marlins manager Clayton McCullough approached Pérez over the weekend about pitching in relief during his regular bullpen day between starts. Pérez followed teammate Sandy Alcantara, who also recently pitched in relief on short rest. McCullough noted the Marlins may selectively deploy starting pitchers out of the bullpen a few times a year.