Atlanta Braves

Williams Perez picks up first save, scheduled to start Monday for Braves

Published Jun. 15, 2015 6:08 a.m. ET

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In his short time in the big leagues, Williams Perez has played every pitching role for the Braves, including closer, which he crossed off the list over the weekend.

Since being called up by the Braves on May 8, Perez has been used as a middle reliever, a late-innings reliever, and a starter.

In an extra-innings win on Saturday, the Braves needed Perez to fill in as their closer in an emergency spot. He succeeded and picked up his first career save.

"We didn't know how [Perez] was going to react, but we had no other option but to go to him and he did a nice job," manager Fredi Gonzalez said.

The 24-year-old righty was originally scheduled to throw a bullpen session over the weekend, so his appearance in the game didn't throw off his routine.

"His side [session] would have been yesterday or today," Gonzalez said. "We held him back on purpose because we were a little short. The plan was for him to be used in an emergency, and today was an emergency."

Perez is scheduled to start Monday as the Braves take on Rick Porcello and the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park.

(h/t MLB.com)

Photo credit: Dale Zanine/USA TODAY Sports