Judson's ambidextrous Perez drafted by Cleveland

The Cleveland Indians drafted two live arms when they picked Judson University pitcher Ryan Perez on Wednesday.

A rare ambidextrous pitcher who was clocked in pre-draft workouts at 94 mph left-handed and 93 mph right-handed, Perez was selected by Cleveland in the 12th round (364th overall) of Major League Baseball's First-Year Amateur Draft.

"I'm excited, relieved, very honored and thankful to the Indians organization for picking me," said Perez, 21, of Hampshire. "Hopefully, I can make them proud."

Perez was taught to throw with both arms when he was young by his father, Juan, who remained his pitching coach throughout high school at Westminster Christian in Elgin and collegiately at NAIA Judson University.

As a high school sophomore in 2010, he helped Westminster Christian win a Class 1A state championship. He was a three-time Daily Herald all-area pick, including his senior season in 2012, when he underwent Tommy John surgery on his left elbow and pitched only from the right side.

Due to a left triceps strain this spring, the junior closed games right-handed for Judson. He started 3 games left-handed late in the season after he was cleared from that side. In 27⅓ innings over 12 appearances, he went 4-1 with 3 saves and posted a 4.61 ERA. He struck out 33 and walked 17.

Perez's selection by the Indians ends a whirlwind spree of pre-draft workouts for Major League ballclubs. Perez worked out for scouts at the Perfect Game showcase in Iowa two weeks ago and threw later that week for the San Diego Padres when they were in Cincinnati for a 3-game series.

He traveled to Kansas City last week for a workout with the Royals at Kaufmann Stadium before returning home for a Friday workout with the Cubs at Wrigley Field, where he threw from the bullpen mound. A final workout for the St. Louis Cardinals took place Sunday at Busch Stadium.

Though Perez did not work out for the Indians during that busy stretch, he said Cleveland's area scout watched him pitch during the season and stayed in touch throughout, as did scouts from several teams.

The Indians called Perez's agent, Joe Gaza, on Wednesday to gauge his client's signability, and the Cleveland area scout called with the good news soon thereafter.

"He told me he'd be up here in the next couple of days to do the paperwork, and then I'll find out where they're sending me," Perez said. "I'm relieved this process is over even though it was fun. I know my family feels the same way, and they're excited and proud of me. They were ready for me to go to the next level."