Martin Perez is being counted on this year to bounce back fully from a Tommy John procedure in 2014 after the usual ups and downs of recovery last season.
On Tuesday, the 25-year-old lefty made his season debut and did his part to get the Rangers off to a 2-0 start before the bullpen behind him just imploded on itself.
Perez worked six innings and allowed just two runs, leaving the game after six with a 2-2 tie and a no-decision. Of course, things got bad quickly for the Rangers after he left, as they ended up losing 10-2.
Perez did get into some jams, but often got out of them — twice with the help of the double play grounder, something he's become proficient at over the past year.
The start for Perez was nice for the Rangers to see, as the rotation is by far the biggest question mark, especially before Yu Darvish returns late next month or in early June. It also marked the first time since 2008 that Rangers starters have gone at least six innings and allowed two or fewer runs in the first two games of the season.
