Perez Endures Rocky 8th, Takes A Hit From Prince Fielder In MLB Debut

Called up to the big club on Tuesday, Martin Perez made his Texas Rangers debut on Wednesday night, and it wasn’t exactly smooth sailing. In 2/3 innings of work, Perez gave up two hits, an earned run and a walk while striking out one. And to make matters worse, he was trucked by Detroit’s Prince Fielder as Fielder was trying to beat out a grounder.

Veteran Michael Young wasn’t much surprised that when Perez and the 275-pound Fielder collided, Fielder won.

“Prince wins that battle every time,” Young said, per the Dallas Morning News. “I’m just glad nobody got hurt.”

Indeed. As for Perez’s future with Texas, Young--like the rest of the Rangers we’ve heard speak on the matter--believes the 21-year-old has the tools to be a big league pitcher, despite his rocky first appearance.

“We know he’s got good stuff,” Young said. “We’ve seen him in spring training. We’ve gotten to get some small glimpses of him. He’s just got to command his fastball and he’ll be fine.”