Martin Perez “Very Happy” To Be Arlington Bound

On Tuesday, the Texas Rangers called up pitching prospect Martin Perez, a highly-touted lefty who has had an up-and-down year thus far with Triple-A Round Rock. Perez was 5-5 with a 4.59 ERA through 15 starts when he was called up, and though he was a starter with the Express, the fact that he’ll be coming out of the bullpen couldn’t put a damper on the occasion.

"Of course I am very happy," Perez told the Rangers’ official website. "I've been working hard and it's finally paid off for me. I'm here to help the team as much as I can and stay here."

The Rangers’ no. 2 prospect, Perez will take the roster spot of starter Colby Lewis, who was sent to the 15-day disabled list with a strained forearm on Tuesday, and will serve as a long-man in the bullpen while Scott Feldman (at least temporarily) moves into the rotation.

Though Perez struggled earlier this season, he comes to the big club after a two-start stretch in which he went 2-0 with a 1.13 ERA and notched the first complete game of his career--a pair of performances that no doubt got the Rangers’ attention.

"The thing that I changed is my long toss," Perez said. "I've also been doing extra in the bullpen, getting control of my pitches is what's been helping out."