Cloyd back from paternity list

The Marlins optioned left-hander Dillon Peters to Triple-A New Orleans on Thursday to create a roster spot for right-hander Tyler Cloyd to return from the paternity list, the club announced Friday afternoon.

Peters began the season as Miami’s No. 4 starting pitcher, but was victimized by disastrous starts mixed in with some decent ones. In six games (including five starts), Peters had a 6.31 ERA and a 1.636 WHIP.

Perhaps most memorably, Peters was the starting pitcher for the Marlins’ historic 20-1 loss to Philadelphia on April 7. The 25-year-old allowed nine runs and nine hits in just 2 2⁄3 innings, ruining his ERA after he started the season with six shutout innings against the Cubs.

Cloyd was placed on the paternity list on Monday, and has not pitched since April 16 in mop-up duty against the Yankees. On the season, Cloyd has appeared in two games and has a 12.46 ERA in 4 1⁄3 innings.

With Peters heading to New Orleans, the Marlins’ Triple-A affiliate receives another starting pitcher. The Baby Cakes already have highly regarded prospect Sandy Alcantara, lanky left-hander Adam Conley and recently demoted Trevor Richards.

When right-hander Dan Straily returned to the Marlins rotation, Peters was bumped to the bullpen. But Marlins manager Don Mattingly said Peters’ development would be best served as a starter, something he can accomplish in New Orleans.