Brett

Eibner

Eibner, 32, made three appearances at the major-league level during the 60-game pandemic-shortened campaign. He cleared waivers after being designated for assignment last September. He’ll report to the team’s alternate site and serve as organizational bullpen depth this season.

Eibner has been torched for seven runs -- five earned -- over 3 1/3 relief innings this season. He cleared waivers earlier this month and figures to do so again.

Eibner was pushed off the Marlins’ 40-man roster at the end of August, but he’ll get another look over the final week of the 2020 regular season. The 31-year-old former outfielder has allowed three runs on two hits and four walks over 1 1/3 innings (two appearances) this season at the major league level.

Eibner was designated for assignment on Saturday and passed through waivers unclaimed. The 31-year-old former outfielder had allowed three runs on two hits and four walks over 1 1/3 innings of work.

The 31-year-old former outfielder recreated himself as a reliever in recent years, but he allowed three runs in 1 1/3 innings and the Marlins decided they had better uses for the roster spot. He’ll likely clear waivers.

We’re used to seeing Eibner as an outfielder, but he made the switch the mound a couple of years ago, though that was interrupted by Tommy John surgery. The 31-year-old was recently pitching for the Eastern Reyes del Tigre of the Constellation Energy League and the Marlins apparently liked what they saw. This will be a fun story to follow.

Eibner had been serving as a two-way player this summer for Reyes del Tigre, delivering eight strikeouts over 5 1/3 scoreless innings of relief while also appearing in seven games between the outfield and DH. His versatility could be useful to the Marlins, who have lost over half of their initial 30-man roster to COVID-19.

Eibner couldn’t quite hack it as a major league outfielder, as he batted just .191/.263/.355 in 244 plate plate appearances for the Royals, Athletics, and Dodgers between 2016-2017. But he has always had a good arm and could maybe get a camp invite from a major league team this offseason if he shows well on the mound in independent ball. Eibner turns 31 years old in December.

The Royals entered the final frame trailing 7-1 and the White Sox lock-down closer David Robertson on the hill. After a strikeout to begin the inning, Cheslor Cuthbert singled, Eibner doubled and Omar Infante walked to load the bases. Alcides Escobar worked a bases loaded walk, then Whit Merrifield delivered a two-run single. Lorenzo Cain reached on a fielder’s choice to plate another run, and then back-to-back run scoring doubles from Eric Hosmer and Drew Butera tied it up. After a pair of intentional walks re-loaded the bases, Eibner came through with the game-winning RBI single, making him a hero in just his second day with the big league club.

The 27-year-old rookie was recalled last week to serve as outfield depth, but drew the start tonight and made the most of his opportunity. He went 1-for-2 plus a walk. The home run was his second in 46 at-bats this year.