Longtime minor-leaguer Paolo Espino to start for Brewers on Friday

SAN DIEGO - After toiling for more than a decade in the minor leagues, Paolo Espino has finally achieved his dream.

The Brewers' right-hander will make his major-league debut Friday against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.

"Everybody roots for the guys that stick to it, stick to it," manager Craig Counsell said on Thursday, prior to his team's series finale against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park.

"There’s always an element of luck or fortune in some of this. It just has never been the right time for him, and then this time it lined up – he’s pitching well, his day lines up good and he’s able to start the game."

Espino, 30, will start in place of Wily Peralta, who has been moved to the bullpen. To make room for Espino on the 25-man roster, left-hander Brent Suter was optioned to Class AAA Colorado Springs.

A native of Panama City, Espino is 76-63 with a 3.69 earned run average in 291 career appearances (191 starts) in the minor leagues. A 10th-round draft pick of Cleveland in 2006, he spent seven seasons with the Indians and three more with the Washington Nationals before signing as a free agent with the Brewers last Nov. 16.

Espino has toiled at the Class AAA level for Cleveland, Washington and now Milwaukee dating back to 2010.

While the Brewers have a couple of highly-touted pitching prospects at Colorado Springs in lefty Josh Hader and righty Brandon Woodruff – both of whom are pitching well – Espino has arguably been better than both based on the numbers.

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BOX SCORE: Brewers 4, Padres 2

In seven starts (39 innings) for the Sky Sox, Espino went 4-0 with a 2.54 ERA and 40 strikeouts while posting a WHIP of 1.03. Even more impressive is his 3-0 record, 2.67 ERA and WHIP of 1.11 in his five home starts at altitude.

"From our perspective, Paolo’s pitched really well," Counsell said. "He’s kind of earned his shot, is really how we see it. The days match up and it works for him; he’s going to have a couple extra days’ rest.

"We’re excited for him. It’s a great opportunity. He’s certainly paid his dues and logged a ton of innings in the minor leagues. He started to really perform last year and again at the start of this year, so it’s a good opportunity."

Counsell got a decent look at Espino in the spring, as he went 1-0 with a 3.60 ERA in four appearances (10 innings), and pitching coach Derek Johnson also is familiar with Espino from their time together with the Cubs in the spring of 2014.

"He’s definitely a command pitcher," Counsell said. "He’s had five walks in seven starts this year. It’s certainly a strength. He’s going to mix it up. His off-speed is certainly part of it; being able to throw off-speed at any time in the count is going to be part of it.

"He’s not unlike somebody like Zach Davies who relies on being fine with their pitches."

Espino will meet the Brewers at Wrigley Field on Friday.

Transition time: The day after it was announced that he was being moved from the starting rotation to the bullpen, Peralta admitted he was surprised by the news.

"It’s something I wasn’t expecting," Peralta said. "It is what it is. I know I wasn’t throwing that good. It’s a new challenge for me, and I have to take advantage of the opportunity and go out there and do the best that I can.

"That’s the only thing that I can control."

While Counsell said Peralta was available out of the bullpen in an emergency on Thursday, the plan was for him to make his debut in his new role sometime over the weekend in Chicago.

With 120 of his 121 career major-league appearances coming as a starter, Peralta agreed there is going to be a transition period.

"Changing everything routine-wise. You have to find a way to get ready a little bit quicker than normal," he said. "As a starter you get time to long toss. It’s going to be a little challenging, but I’m ready for it. I’m still working on finding a routine that will help me get ready."

Peralta is averaging a career-best 96 mph with his fastball so far this season, and his sinker and slider can be effective pitches. Putting all that together for shorter stints could help make the 28-year-old an effective reliever over time.

"Out of the ‘pen you can live with two pitches, the fastball and the slider, and you don’t have to worry about throwing a changeup or facing a batter for the third time," Peralta said.

"You can just let it go. Just command your pitches, and that’s it."