Perez runs up streak of scoreless innings

BALTIMORE -- Chris Perez hasn't been perfect since the Indians acquired him this summer, but he's been awfully close.

Perez hasn't allowed a run in his last 16 appearances, the longest streak by an Indians relief pitcher in two years, and it's something that manager Eric Wedge hopes will continue during the team's four-game series with the Orioles that started on Thursday.

"We've slowly ramped him back to the back end of the bullpen," Wedge said. "We didn't get in a hurry with him. We just wanted to make sure we gave him opportunities to go out there and [find] success, and he's taken advantage of it. I couldn't be more pleased with what he's done over here."

Perez has struck out 20 and given up only six hits in his last 16 games -- over 16 1/3 innings. Even more impressive is that opposing hitters have an anemic .118 average against him, just 6-for-51.

That is the longest scoreless streak for an Indians reliever since Rafael Betancourt held opponents without a run for 19 innings in 2007.

Cleveland acquired Perez from the Cardinals for Mark DeRosa on June 27. Since the trade, Perez has a 2.89 ERA, mainly because of some early problems. Perez gave up six runs in his first three appearances, but then everything slowly turned around.

Since the trade, Perez has given the Indians 17 scoreless appearances in 19 chances.

"It's been a nice steady progression for him," Wedge said. "He's done a good job of getting better and getting himself more under control, with good stuff."

Overall this season, he has a 1-1 record with a 4.18 ERA. Perez has made life tough for opposing batters from both sides of the plate. Right-handers are hitting just .190 against him while left-handers have a .196 average.

The Indians have played much better in the second half of the season, winning 20 of their past 33 games. They had a record of 35-54 at the All-Star break but have turned things around since then, with the help of Perez and others.



(mlb.com)