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."
Martin Perez “Very Happy” To Be Arlington Bound
The Rangers' no. 2 prospect, Perez was called up on Tuesday
Copyright FREEL - NBC Local Media