Cardinals won't rush Perez

ST. LOUIS (AP) - Chris Perez is as good as advertised, but that doesn't mean he'll be the St. Louis Cardinals' closer any time soon.

The hard-throwing 22-year-old right-hander has pitched 6 & a-third scoreless innings since being called up from Triple A. But for now, with Jason Isringhausen on the disabled list, Ryan Franklin remains the closer.

Perez says that's fine by him. He's happy with the set-up role he's been given but says when the time comes to close he'll be ready to do it.

Manager Tony La Russa says Franklin is pitching well so there's no need to make a change. But he's been impressed with Perez, both in his makeup and in his performance on the mound.

(wthitv.com)