MILWAUKEE -- The Brewers made a late-night trade on Thursday, acquiring right-handed reliever Jhan Mariñez from the Rays in exchange for cash.
Marinez, 27, has pitched briefly in the Majors for the Marlins, White Sox and Rays, logging nine innings overall, including three appearances for Tampa Bay this season. His claim to fame is he was once traded for a manager: In 2011, Marinez was one of two prospects sent to Chicago as compensation for the Marlins hiring Ozzie Guillen.
Marinez first signed with the Rays as a Minor League free agent in December 2014, when current Brewers assistant GM Matt Arnold worked in Tampa Bay's front office.
"He's kind of been around; very good arm," Brewers manager Craig Counsell said. "He'll be strictly a reliever. Good fastball, good slider. Just an arm that we liked."
Marinez will occupy a revolving-door roster spot most recently held by lefty reliever Michael Kirkman, who was designated for assignment after only one Brewers appearance to clear space for Marinez. Before that, the spot belonged to another lefty, Sam Freeman, who took over for right-hander Ariel Pena.
"I mean, we traded for a player. It's unfortunate [for Kirkman]," Counsell said. "It's nothing that he did. You acquire a player, and that's what happens."