Former Indians closer Chris Perez has retired from baseball. This actually happened a few days ago, but no one took notice. The only mention of it appears to be this entry on the International League’s transactions page from four days ago:

He was in the Orioles organization, but he couldn’t even pitch anyway given that he had a 50-game suspension for a drug of abuse to serve that wouldn’t have ended until next month.

Maybe the retirement holds, maybe it doesn’t. Manny Ramirez retired when faced with a drug suspension but then came back and saw the suspension reduced. Precedent is set, right? Take a year or so off, get back in shape and try to latch on someplace else.

Maybe, however, Perez just wants to move on from baseball and into whatever else it is interests him in life. Which, based on his disciplinary and legal history of the past couple of years seems to be marijuana, but hey, whatever you want to do man.

When baseball was his thing he was pretty good at it for a while. He was an All-Star closer for the Indians in 2011 and 2012, saving 36 and 39 games in those years, respectively. But since then he has a 4.31 ERA with 46 walks in 100 innings. He was arrested in 2013, along with his wife, after having a package of marijuana delivered in their dog’s name. Then this suspension. He has bounced from the Indians to the Dodgers to the Brewers and now to the Orioles organization before hanging it up.

Hang loose, Chris. Go be you wherever you want to be.


(hardballtalk.com)

The Orioles signed relief pitcher Chris Perez to a Triple-A deal on Thursday, per masnsports.com.

Perez will have to serve a 50-game suspension for his second drug abuse offense before he can play a game in the minors.

"That doesn't affect us right now, obviously for 50 games. There are games played after August," Orioles manager Buck Showalter said.

"We all make some changes in our lives and get better."

Perez was an All-Star with the Indians in 2011 and 2012 and he recorded 75 total saves over that span.


(cbssports.com)

Free agent righty Chris Perez has been hit with a 50-game suspension, the league announced (h/t to MLB.com’s Adam McCalvy). The penalty was assessed for use of a drug of abuse, with the length based on the fact that this is Perez’s second such offense.

Perez, 29, was the long-time closer for the Indians before signing as a free agent last year with the Dodgers. He opened the 2015 season at Triple-A for the Brewers after inking a minor league deal, but opted out of his deal earlier in the season.

Though he’s had some very good years along the way, Perez has struggled to deliver consistent results while dealing with command issues at times. He still has a big arm, having averaged over 94 mph on his four-seamer last year, and seemed likely to get another shot at the big leagues in the relatively near term.

All told, Perez owns a 3.51 ERA over 379 1/3 MLB frames, with 8.6 K/9 against 3.9 BB/9. He allowed eight earned runs on 14 hits and four walks in his 7 2/3 minor league frames earlier this year, striking out just three batters in the process.


(mlbtraderumors.com)

Three years ago Chris Perez was an All-Star closer, but now the 29-year-old right-hander has opted out of a minor-league deal with the Brewers after struggling at Triple-A.

Perez posted a 9.39 ERA in six appearances for Triple-A Colorado Springs, with more walks (4) than strikeouts (3) and 18 baserunners allowed in 7.2 innings. Last season as a middle reliever for the Dodgers he had a 4.27 ERA and 39/25 K/BB ratio in 46 innings.

Even at his peak, when Perez was saving 123 games for the Indians from 2010-2013, his control was always shaky. Now that his raw stuff and velocity have declined he just doesn’t offer a whole lot, although he’s still young enough to get back on track at some point.


(hardballtalk.com)

Mesa, Ariz. - Reliever Chris Perez, who was released on Sunday but re-signed a minor-league deal, worked out on the Brewers’ side of the complex Wednesday, packed his bag and headed over to the minor-league side.

“There was no job in the big leagues,” Perez said of his decision to return after failing to make the Brewers’ roster as a non-roster player. “The last 48 hours, there’s been about 50 guys released. Everybody’s purging their rosters, so there’s not a job available right now.

“I’m comfortable here; I have been all spring. I like the staff. I’ll try to survive the mile high (conditions of Colorado Springs). Go down, pitch well and get back up here. It will help me work on my sinker.”

Because Perez was released, he did not receive a $100,000 retention bonus to be sent down. Instead of a $1.5 million big-league salary, he will be paid $25,000 a month in the minors. He has out clauses on May 1 and June 1 that allow him to leave if offered a job in the majors elsewhere.

Perez joins what figures to be a loaded bullpen at Colorado Springs including Rob Wooten, Brandon Kintzler, Ariel Pena, David Goforth and Corey Knebel.
“Wow,” said manager Ron Roenicke. “The more depth you have, great.”

As for piecing together a starting rotation there after the Brewers kept Tyler Thornburg and Michael Blazek, Roenicke said, "That's what they're trying to decide." 


(jsonline.com)

One day after releasing right-hander Chris Perez the Brewers have re-signed the former All-Star closer to another minor-league contract, which basically means they temporarily parted ways in order for the team to avoid paying the $100,000 veteran retention bonus attached to such deals.

Perez looks like a shell of his former self despite being just 29 years old, posting a 4.27 ERA and 39/25 K/BB ratio in 46 innings for the Dodgers as a middle reliever last season. He has a good chance of returning to the majors at some point, but it likely won’t be in a late-inning role and he’ll have to prove himself at Triple-A first.


(hardballtalk.com)

Chris Perez's bid to recapture his form as an All-Star closer may still come true, but it won't happen in Milwaukee.

The Brewers released the two-time all-star Sunday, a month after signing the 29-year-old right-hander, nicknamed “Pure Rage,” to a minor-league deal. He pitched well this spring, with a 2.70 ERA in 10 games, but the Brewers wanted to send him to the minors. Perez told the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel that is not an option.

"That's not my first choice," Perez said. "I think we would want to look around. I'm healthy; I'm throwing the ball well. I have a pretty good track record. I know I belong up here and can get outs up here."

Perez enjoyed a great four-year run as the Indians closer, averaging 31 saves from 2010-2013 and making All-Star appearances in 2011 and 2012. But his 2013 season ended on a sour note, with a rash of blown saves, and an arrest for marijuana possession. Perez who had roughly a third of a pound of marijuana delivered to his house — addressed to his dog — pleaded no contest to the charges and received one year of probation.

The Indians released Perez after the 2013 season. Joining the Dodgers for 2014, he posted a 4.27 ERA with one save in 49 appearances.


(cbssports.com)

Chris Perez is getting a bit closer to learning his fate.

The veteran reliever, invited to the Milwaukee Brewers' spring camp as a nonroster player, must be told by March 31 if he is being placed on the 40-man roster, assigned to Class AAA Colorado Springs or getting released.

With more relievers in camp than available spots, it doesn't seem to be a good year to make the staff as a nonroster player. But Perez, 29, has plugged away, pitching better with each of his five exhibition outings.

"This year has been a little different because I don't have a spot," Perez said Wednesday. "I'm still taking the same approach. Regardless, I have to get ready for the season. It doesn't matter where it's at. Each time out, I'm feeling a little better, a little sharper, a little crisper."

With a scoreless inning Monday in a 6-4 victory over San Diego, Perez lowered his spring earned run average to 3.38 (two earned runs in 51/3 innings). He has allowed four hits and two walks with three strikeouts.

The bullpen picture remains a bit murky until either Jim Henderson or Tyler Thornburg, or both, are deemed ready or not after returning from injuries. Relievers who appear to have spots locked up are Francisco Rodriguez, Jonathan Broxton, Will Smith, Jeremy Jeffress, Neal Cotts and Brandon Kintzler.

If those six indeed have spots, there would be just one opening. Beyond Henderson and Perez, Rob Wooten has big-league experience that puts him in the picture. If the Brewers keep Perez, he gets a $1.5 million base salary. If they assign him to Colorado Springs, he qualifies for a $100,000 retention bonus as a player with at least five years in the majors.

"It's up to them," Perez said. "They could offer me to other teams before sending me to Triple-A but that would just be a courtesy. They don't have to.

"I imagine they'll keep the normal seven (relievers). I can't worry about that. Other guys have options. So, they have moving parts....I have a track record so it's not like it's all about this spring.

"I've made some adjustments since last year with my mechanics, and I'm working on improving that. I'm healthy and ready to go."

Manager Ron Roenicke isn't sure how many openings there are until everything shakes out with Henderson and Thornburg.

"I think his stuff is good," Roenicke said of Perez. "It's a live fastball; it's got sink on it. The slider has been really inconsistent but we've seen some good ones. It's a matter of him just being more consistent with what he's doing.

"If he shows he can do that, he's going to get out big-league hitters. His stuff really plays. (Being a nonroster player) doesn't help but we're hoping we take our best guys."


(jsonline.com)

Brewers veteran reliever Chris Perez will know his fate by next Wednesday. The club will decide if he will be added to the club's 40-man roster, assigned to Triple-A, or released, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Perez signed a minor-league contract with an invitation to major-league camp with the Brewers in early February. He is 1-1 with a 3.38 ERA over 5 1/3 innings this spring.

"This year has been a little different because I don't have a spot," Perez said. "I'm still taking the same approach. Regardless, I have to get ready for the season. It doesn't matter where it's at.

"Each time out, I'm feeling a little better, a little sharper, a little crisper. Spring training is weird. (Tuesday) was probably the worst I've felt playing catch in the morning. I was a little stiff after the off day (Monday). But it was a hot day, which is good, and I threw the ball OK. I was ahead (in the count) more. The goal is to improve every time out."


(cbssports.com)

You know how everyone says major league baseball's rule are too simplistic? Kidding, no one says that. They're usually ridiculously complicated. Well here's another example of that. Teams that signed any 2014-2015 Article XX(B) Free Agents (no I didn't just make that up) have some decisions to make in the coming weeks and the deadline is 5 days before Opening Day (Apr 5th).

Those free agents must receive a $100,000 retention bonus if they aren't on the 25-man roster by that deadline and if the team chooses to keep them around. Then, if they are kept, they get an opt-out clause set for June 1st. The Brewers signed 1 such free agent: Chris Perez.

If the Brewers want to keep Perez they'll either have to award him a spot on the active roster or give him $100,000 along with the opt-out clause for June 1st. In my opinion, at least as things are now, it seems highly unlikely the Brewers will place him on the active roster.

Ahead of Chris Perez, and already on the 40-man roster, are Francisco Rodriguez, Jonathan Broxton, Will Smith, Jeremy Jeffress, Brandon Kintzler, Neal Cotts, Tyler Thornburg, Jim Henderson, Rob Wooten, Corey Knebel, and David Goforth. That's not even mentioning guys like Taylor Jungmann, Michael Blazek, and Michael Strong.

There's also the issue of making room for him on the 40-man roster which is currently full. I'm not sure there is a single player currently on the 40-man roster that I'd want to risk losing in favor of Chris Perez. You can take a look for yourself here. I'm not sure there would be a point in making room for him anyway. It's not like they risk losing Perez immediately.

The opt-out doesn't come until June 1st. Tons of stuff can happen between now and then. If a player hits the 60-Day DL that clears a 40-man roster spot which eliminates one of the hurdles for Perez. Less likely though still possible is that one of the relievers just burns out and gets cut. Might as well keep him in the minors as depth until either possibility occurs.

There are two ways I can see Perez making the 25-man roster before such a time. One is injury as I already mentioned. The other is if the Brewers decide to trade a player. More specifically, if they decide to trade a reliever. I'm not advocating doing such a thing, but in a recent chat Tom Haudricout guessed a trade was a possibility. He was asked if the Brewers might enter the season with an 8-man bullpen to which he responded: "Doubtful. I'm guessing somebody gets traded."

Now, let's be clear. He is just guessing, which he states, and he doesn't say he heard anything from anyone about a trade. This possibility also considers Tyler Thornburg and Jim Henderson as healthy and ready to contribute from Day 1. It is possible that's the case with both of them and that will become clearer the close we get to April.

A few months ago I'd have ruled out the possibility. But after the trades of Marco Estrada and, more significantly, Yovani Gallardo I'm not so quick to dismiss this. I do consider it highly unlikely though. That's mostly because I'm not convinced the Brewers could get much for any of the relievers I expect they'd be willing to deal.

K-Rod and Cotts were just signed so they cannot be traded. I don't see the Brewers being willing to part with Will Smith. It's hard to imagine them parting with Tyler Thornburg either considering their relative lack of rotation depth. That leaves Broxton (large salary, velo questions), Jeffress (command questions), Kintzler (coming off knee surgery and a poor 2014, low K%), and Henderson (coming off shoulder surgery after missing most of 2014, velo questions). I like the upside for all of these guys, but it's hard to see them netting a lot in return.

But who knows, maybe they can package a reliever in a larger deal for a third baseman which is something they desperately need after the 2015 (and possibly during if Aramis Ramirez gets hurt). Or maybe they can find another 6th starter type? That seems more realistic. But I'm just making wild guesses now which probably isn't worth wasting our time on.

Regardless, a decision about Chris Perez will have to be made by April. If they don't trade a reliever that leaves them with 8 (not counting Wooten, Knebel, Goforth) bullpen options for 7 spots making it all the more unlikely Perez has a chance. I'm guessing they just give him the retention bonus and go into the season with the (actually quite impressive) relief depth they currently possess. But things can change and they could get interesting over the next three weeks.


(brewcrewball.com)

PHOENIX -- While the signing of Francisco Rodriguez shifted roles around in the bullpen of the Milwaukee Brewers, those vying for the final spots in what is likely to be a seven-man relief corps watched as one of the few openings was suddenly gone.

Earlier in his career, Chris Perez might have let that bother him. But the 29-year-old knows there will be a job for him somewhere if he performs well in spring training.

"That didn't really change my goals coming in," Perez said before Saturday's workout at Maryvale Baseball Park. "I still have to pitch really well. They still have a spot open. I'm going to do everything I can to make the team. If not here, hopefully somewhere else."

The Brewers signed Perez to a minor-league deal in early February, adding the former All-Star closer to the bullpen mix. Milwaukee had at least two bullpen openings when he signed, but one was filled Thursday when the club agreed to terms with Rodriguez on a two-year deal.

If Rodriguez, Jonathan Broxton, Will Smith, Jeremy Jeffress, Neal Cotts and Brandon Kintzler all make the Opening Day roster, just one bullpen spot remains. Things become more complicated if Tyler Thornburg and Jim Henderson get through spring training healthy and able to contribute.

"Everything always looks good on paper or on the board, but stuff happens in this game," Perez said. "Last year there were all kinds of injuries. Knock on wood, you never hope anyone goes down, but it is part of the game. That's definitely something that's part of the game.

"I know there are going to be other scouts watching. I have a couple outs in my contract. I just have to pitch well and everything else should take care of itself. If not here, hopefully somewhere else. If not somewhere else, hopefully I go to Triple-A and pitch well there to get called up early. That's all you can do."

The Brewers must add Perez to their active roster five days prior to Opening Day or pay him $100,000 to stay in the organization at the Triple-A level. Perez then has the potential to opt out of his contract on May 1 and June 1 if he isn't in the big leagues.

After accumulating 124 saves over his five years in Cleveland, Perez signed a $2.3 million deal with the Dodgers before last season to serve as the setup man to closer Kenley Jansen. He ended up struggling to a 4.27 ERA in 49 appearances and saw his role diminish as the season went on. The Dodgers prevented Perez from reaching a $500,000 bonus for appearing in 50 games by not pitching him over the final week of the season.

Milwaukee decided to take a chance on a former All-Star closer who still has good stuff. According to fangraphs.com, Perez's average fastball was 94.3 mph, his highest average velocity since 2010.

"Last year didn't go quite the way he's used to, but I think (Brewers general manager) Doug (Melvin's) idea of why he brought him in is because he has that experience and he's done well at it in the past," Brewers manager Ron Roenicke said. "It is always nice to have guys in there trying to make your team that have that kind of stuff and have been successful in the past."

This spring will be a much different experience than what Perez is used to, as he's competing for a roster spot for first time since he was first breaking into the big leagues with St. Louis in 2008.

In the seven years since, Perez is 16-24 with a 3.51 ERA and 133 saves in 393 big-league games with the Cardinals, Indians and Dodgers.

"I can't just go out there and say I'm working on stuff," Perez said. "I need to get results. I don't know if that's going to help me in the long run, but having to strap it on and bear down and get outs now. Hopefully that gets me locked in for the whole year instead of cruising through spring and trying to lock it in the last couple of outings.

"Every opportunity I throw I'm taking it as a serious situation. I'm trying to make pitches and try to get better every time out. I've thrown off the mound three times and I feel like every time has gotten better and better. Hopefully I just carry that into games."

The game of baseball can humble players in a variety of ways. Perez is just two years removed from when back-to-back All-Star Game appearances left him thought of as one of the best closers in the American League.

Now he's in a fight to continue his big league career at just 29 years old.

"Hopefully my career is not done and this is just another chapter," Perez said. "I feel like I'm a better pitcher for what I've gone through. Experience-wise and just learning different roles in the bullpen. It is different coming in during the fifth inning or the sixth inning. The hitters take different at-bats against you than at the end of the game. Learning that last year and mixing up my pitches, I feel like I'm a better equipped pitcher going forward.

"I feel like I still have a lot left. I have to take care of my stuff and everything else will take care of itself. I think having that experience of having been there, done that, it doesn't ease it, but it kind of takes that, 'I have to make it,' away. I just have to focus on being a good pitcher and getting outs."


(foxsports.com)

The Milwaukee Brewers have signed right-handed pitcher Chris Perez to a minor-league deal with an invitation to big-league camp, adding a reliever with closing experience to their bullpen mix.

Perez spent last season in a set-up role with the Los Angeles Dodgers, posting a 4.27 ERA in 49 appearances out of the bullpen.

The 29-year-old made the All-Star team in 2011 and 2012 while closing games for the Cleveland Indians. Perez became Cleveland's closer in July of 2010 and finished the year with 23 saves and a 1.71 ERA.

He saved 36 games in 2011 and recorded 39 saves in 2012, finishing fourth in the American League both seasons.

Perez went 5-3 with a 4.33 ERA and 25 saves in 2013 but was released by the Indians following the season. He agreed to a one-year, $2.3 million incentive-laden contract with the Dodgers in the offseason to serve as a set-up man to Kenley Jansen.

The right-hander has had several off-the-field incidents in his career, including a June 2013 arrest after a package containing nine ounces of marijuana was delivered to his house in his dog's name.

Perez is mostly a two-pitch pitcher, as he almost exclusively uses a fastball and a slider. According to fangraphs.com, Perez's fastball averaged at 94.3 mph last season.

With questions at the back end of Milwaukee's bullpen, Perez will have a good chance to make the Opening Day roster with a strong spring training. The Brewers were looking to add a reliever with closing experience to the mix and found Perez, who is currently 15th in career saves (133) among active relievers.


(foxsports.com)

CHRIS PEREZ, 29, reliever.

Final 2014 stats: 1-3, 4.27 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, one save, .228 opponent batting average and 39 strikeouts and six homers in 46 1/3 innings.

Contract status: Free agent.

The good: Had a 3.23 ERA and held opponents to a .213 batting average in 23 home games. Allowed runs in only one of his first 14 appearances. Did not allow a run in his last seven games (two hits, four walks).

The bad: Between his nice start and finish, posted a 6.92 ERA in 28 games, allowing six homers in 26 innings. The Dodgers lost all faith in him and he was essentially done. On July 22, he walked four consecutive batters, no easy feat. Fell one appearance shy of earning an additional $500,000 (though he had previously earned $1.5 million in appearance bonuses). Missed most of August with bone spurs. When he didn’t make the playoff roster, he left the team and went home.

What’s next: Not life as a Dodger.

The take: Perez averaged 31 saves a year in the four seasons with the Indians prior to signing with the Dodgers for $2.3 million. It seemed a decent, one-year gamble, the Dodgers figuring the former closer might rediscover his form in a new environment and act as one of the late-inning bridges to Kenley Jansen. Alas, it just never happened. The rest of his numbers were never as sexy as his save totals.

The former closers as set-up men (Brian Wilson, Brandon League, Perez) never panned out and Perez's future seemed sealed by the midpoint to the season. That he was never designated for assignment says all that’s needed about the state of the 2014 bullpen.


(latimes.com)

The next time Chris Perez pitches in a game, he will draw a $500,000 bonus.

Perez is already guaranteed to make $3.8 million this season, according to a person familiar with the details of his contract who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

The former All-Star closer is drawing a base salary of $2.3 million and has already earned $1.5 million in incentives -- $500,000 each for his 35th, 40th and 45th appearances.

Perez’s 50th appearance would be worth another $500,000.

Perez has pitched in 49 games, posting a 4.27 earned-run average. Including their game Tuesday night, the Dodgers have five games remaining.

Previously sidelined with bone spurs in his ankle, Perez returned from the disabled list on Sept. 1. He has made seven appearances since then and hasn’t given up a run.


(latimes.com)

Chris Perez (ankle) isn't expected to be activated from the disabled list until rosters expand next month.

Perez began a rehab assignment with High-A Rancho Cucamonga on Monday, but he'll remain there through next Friday. The veteran reliever struggled with a 5.03 ERA and 1.45 WHIP while walking 21 over 39 1/3 innings before landing on the DL earlier this month with bone spurs in his right ankle.


(rotoworld.com)

NEWS UPDATE
Perez (ankle) will begin a rehab assignment at High-A Rancho Cucamonga on Monday, Eric Stephen of True Blue LA reports.

ROTOWIRE FANTASY ANALYSIS
Perez will throw one inning with Rancho Cucamonga, and that may end up being the extent of his rehab assignment. He's eligible to return from the DL on Tuesday, though the Dodgers could choose to wait an extra day to afford him some additional recovery time following Monday's outing.


(rotowire.com)

I’m sure everyone has noticed how awful reliever Chris Perez has been this season, After signing a one-year 2.3 million dollar free agent deal with the Dodgers this winter, the bearded right hander has been horrendous for the majority of the season. Now we may have an answer as to why.

The Dodgers placed RHP Chris Perez on 15-day DL (bone spurs, right ankle) and selected contract of RHP Carlos Frias from AAA Albuquerque.

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 4, 2014

The Dodgers have placed Perez on the 15-day DL with bone spurs in his right ankle. In a corresponding move, the Dodgers have called up right hander Carlos Frias from Albuquerque. They’ve also transferred Paul Maholm to the 60-day DL. I had no idea that Perez was even injured. So either this was kept hidden, or it’s some kind of phantom injury. The Dodgers are masters at roster machination, so it wouldn’t surprise me.

Chris Perez was 0-3 with a 5.03 ERA in 39.1 innings pitched this season. He posted a 6.9 whiff per nine rate with a 4.8 walk rate. He whiffed 30 and walked 21 in 42 games.


(losordalair.com)

SAN FRANCISCO – In recording a perfect inning in the eighth of a blowout victory Friday night at AT&T Park, Dodgers right-hander Chris Perez threw 16 pitches.

He estimated 13 of them included the type of delivery he is striving to replicate every time he throws. Three nights before in Pittsburgh, though, Perez threw 25 pitches and only felt right a couple times.

Not coincidentally, he totally imploded and issued four straight walks in the Pittsburgh game. But Perez remains confident in the mechanical adjustments he and pitching coach Rick Honeycutt have made in recent weeks.

“If you take away that one outing in Pittsburgh, the last two weeks have been pretty good,” Perez said Saturday. “We figured out what caused that one outing. If it happens again, hopefully I can make the adjustment pitch to pitch, not five hitters later.”

Perez said he has made around a dozen mechanical adjustments to his delivery at various points this season, a trying one for the 29-year-old right-hander who signed an incentive-laden deal with the Dodgers in December.

“One leads to another,” he said.

The latest one, made the afternoon after the hellish outing, involves Perez staying “six or so inches” more upright.

“That lets my foot turn more towards the plate,” he said. “If I bend over, my foot lands and I’m pointed more towards the batter’s box.”

Perez has a 5.06 ERA in 371/3 innings this season, a run and a half worse than his career mark. But he struggled in his final year in Cleveland in 2013, posting a 4.33 ERA in 54 innings and losing his closer’s role.

He felt off mechanically then, too, but spent little time tinkering.

“For whatever reason our pitching coaches couldn’t identify it, or didn’t want to, or nothing,” Perez said. “They just kind of let me figure it out. This has been about a good year and a half of creating bad habits.”

The Dodgers approached him in spring training about making some changes. Perez said he requested they give him time to work his old way, and they did, and he kept recording scoreless performances until early May.

“I was going good, so they didn’t say a word,” he said.

But he started going bad fast, and by May 22 in New York, he had a 5.68 ERA. That’s when the changes came.

The struggles of Perez and other veteran relievers have led to the expectation that the Dodgers will seek out additional relief help before Thursday’s trading deadline. But Manager Don Mattingly insisted Saturday that he believes his bullpen, as structured, is capable of performing at an elite level.

“We haven’t pitched to our best yet,” Perez said. “But I think we definitely have the experience. Me, Paul (Maholm) and Jamey (Wright) just need to get a little more consistent.”


(ocregister.com)

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Chris Perez had an unceremonious exodus from Cleveland.

As the calendar flipped toward late September, he lost his grip on the closer's gig and became an observer as the Indians surged to a postseason berth.
Prior to a tumultuous final season with the organization -- one that included a misdemeanor drug abuse charge, a career-high 4.33 ERA and an injured pitching shoulder -- Perez twice earned his way onto the American League All-Star team to represent the Tribe. During his five-year stint in Cleveland, he compiled a 3.33 ERA and 124 saves, the third-most in franchise history. At times, he rubbed fans, teammates and those in the organization the wrong way by speaking his mind about attendance, shunning certain media members or riling up opposing players with hand gestures.

On Monday night, the Indians -- who released Perez last October -- will begin a three-game series against the Dodgers, who signed Perez to a one-year, $2.3 million contract in December.

Perez recently spoke with cleveland.com about his tenure in Cleveland, his new outlook on his career and his experience with the Dodgers. The right-hander has racked up a 5.20 ERA in 27 2/3 innings this season. He said outfielder Yasiel Puig, the 23-year-old Cuban sensation, "is like a big kid," and that Clayton Kershaw's no-hitter earlier this month was "probably the most dominant start I've ever seen. It was fun to watch." He also said he hasn't paid much attention to how the Indians have fared this season.

Here are the highlights from the interview with Perez.

CC: How would you explain your output this season (27 2/3 innings, 26 hits, 26 strikeouts, but 5.20 ERA)?
CP: I've had some bad luck and also some bad mechanics. The first month or so, I was still getting results and they didn't come to me with anything. Then I had a couple hiccups and now the last month or so, we've been changing stuff up. We're definitely going in the right direction. I had to take a couple steps back to go forward.

I got into some bad habits the last couple years, just because my arm wasn't feeling good. Just some lazy habits to try to generate velocity. I had to go back to step one with my mechanics and they've been really good with that here. Every outing, I'm working on a little thing here, a little thing there. It was feeling foreign to me. Hopefully in future outings I'll feel more normal and more like myself.

CC: Vinnie Pestano, who was dealing with mechanical flaws, was sent to Triple-A to sort out his issues. He said he could never have fixed his delivery at the big league level, because there was too much to correct and he couldn't afford to cost the team games. How have you managed to rectify your problems while at the big league level?
CP: It's tough up here because you're trying to win games. The way we play, we've had a lot of close games, so there's really not a lot of opportunities to go out there and just say, 'Hey, go out there and work on this. Try to get a guy out.' It's definitely tough up here to go through those kinds of things, but at the same time, luckily I'm still here at this level and I'm working on the side to figure it out.

CC: Your fastball velocity is back to 94.3 mph this season, after it tapered off to 92.8 mph last year. (It's currently at its highest average since 2010, when Perez posted a 1.71 ERA in 63 appearances with the Tribe.) How important has it been to be able to throw as hard as you used to?
CP: It's more frustrating than anything, going through this little stretch here, because it's one thing if you don't have your stuff and your arm is hurting and the numbers aren't there, but this is the best my arm has felt in two or three years, so it's more frustrating, just because I should be able to pitch like I used to since my velocity is back. The last few years, that wasn't the case. I had to hit my spots and rely on movement. This year, I've been able to challenge guys and blow it by them. It just hasn't been working.

CC: What triggered your late-season struggles last year with the Indians?
CP: It was just all the bad habits I got into in the first half of the year just to get by, when I got healthy and was throwing hard, it all flared up at once. I was flying open earlier. Early in the year, I was flying open and trying to throw it as hard as I could. When I had velocity, it just counteracted it. I was showing the ball to the hitter earlier. My front shoulder was flying open, so they could see the ball easier. And then also, just trying to get results while we were in a pennant race, it all kind of just came together and I had bad results.

CC: How difficult was it not to contribute during the final playoff push?
CP: It wasn't that bad. We won. Luckily I didn't cost us a playoff spot by my troubles or anything. We still ended up winning a Wild Card spot and making it to the one-game playoff.

But personally, it was tough. I had put in four years on a bad team just hoping to get to that point and when we got there, I wasn't a part of it. That's baseball. You live and learn. It was a good learning experience. It all worked out where I'm now able to be here with the Dodgers, which is awesome.

CC: You'll be a free agent at the end of the season. Have you thought about how your career might play out?
CP: Closing is fun, but I've been there and done that. Now I just want to win. If closing and winning go together, then fine. But if not, then I'd rather be on a good team and help try to get to a championship than close for a crappy team.

CC: Will it be strange to face some of your former teammates?
CP: It might be weird to face one or two guys, but other than that, I just hope we beat them. I don't care about facing anybody. I've faced some of them when they're on different teams anyways. The only guys it would be kind of weird to face would be [Michael] Brantley or [Jason] Kipnis, just because I played with them the longest. But everybody else, I'm just hoping it would be another out.

CC: Will it be nice to catch up with some of the guys while they are in town?
CP: A couple of them, like [Josh] Tomlin and [Justin] Masterson. But for the most part, not really. Nobody in the bullpen is really the same. Maybe [Cody Allen]. There are a couple guys. The coaching staff, I wouldn't care to see again, no.

CC: How would you evaluate your five years with the Indians?
CP: It ended a lot better than it started, team-wise. What we were able to do last year was great. Personally, I didn't pitch the way I wanted to the last two months of my time there, but overall, I gave it everything I had almost every time I went out there and for the most part, I did my job. I had a good time doing it. I have a couple good memories, but at the same time, there was a lot of turnover with coaches, pitching coaches, managers. It wasn't really stable. I think for the most part, I had a good time there, but it ended on a bad note for me, but overall for the team, it was great. So, it was fine. Things worked out for me. I had a couple good years there. They gave me the chance to close and I established myself. Hopefully it'll keep me in the league longer because of that.

CC: What was it like to see Progressive Field packed for a playoff game?
CP: It was exciting, with everybody waving their towels and stuff. It was louder than Opening Day, which is usually the only time it's sold out. It was a night game, so it was a little more energetic. But I knew I had no chance of pitching, so I was just observing, and we didn't score, so it was kind of a letdown. But at the same time, it was good what they accomplished. That fan base was probably really excited going into this year and trying to build on it. It was a good year for Tito and it changed the atmosphere and culture there.

CC: Do you miss anything about Cleveland?
CP: Not really. Maybe Lucky's Cafe in Tremont.


(cleveland.com)

Chris Perez got a five-out save in the Dodgers' 9-4 win over the Twins in the first game of Thursday's doubleheader.

Perez came in with the tying run on deck in the eighth, so it qualified as a save chance, even though it was a four-run game at the time. The Dodgers then added one more run in the top of the ninth. It was Perez's first save after six holds for the Dodgers. He's performed well, allowing just two runs in 13 1/3 innings to date, but he's not much of a threat for more saves.


(rotoworld.com)

In the eighth inning Wednesday with the Dodgers leading the Phillies 5-2, right-handers Kenley Jansen and Chris Perez were warming up in the bullpen.

The decision of who would pitch the ninth inning literally came down to the last minute. Had Adrian Gonzalez delivered an RBI in the final at-bat of the inning, Perez would have gotten the ninth. Instead, Gonzalez flied out to deep center field.

It was a save situation, so Jansen got the ball. He pitched a scoreless ninth inning for his eighth save. It was his 15th appearance of the season, which leads the major leagues.

Perez had at least two ways to react to the situation. He’s saved 132 games in his career. Why not try and make it 133, while Jansen hasn’t had back-to-back days off since April 10-11?

Alternatively, he could accept his role, which the 28-year-old did Thursday.

“Honestly, I didn’t have any expectations coming in (to the season),” he said. “I just wanted to come in and be able to get some outs. They could use me however they want.”

It’s because of his experience that Perez is at peace with manager Don Mattingly’s decision Wednesday.

“It’s usually feast or famine,” he said. “You go through a stretch where you get a bunch of save opportunities in a row, or you go through a stretch where we’re scoring a lot of runs and the other team’s not, and you’re just trying to get some work in.

“This year it’s been a little more consistent appearance-wise. I’ve been used in all types of games, whether we’re up or down. It keeps me sharp.”

The opposite has been true for Jansen, who was on pace to appear in 110 games going into Thursday’s game between the Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies.

Mattingly is aware of Jansen’s workload. Like Perez, he believes in the law of averages – that the need for a closer tends to balance out over the course of one season.

“There’s been some factors where our starters are 12th in innings pitched in our league,” Mattingly said. “We’ve had to get almost 80 innings out of our bullpen. Our starters have thrown (124). We’ve asked a lot of innings out there. So guys are getting more usage.

“It’s going to get better. We’re seeing it get better because guys are getting stronger.”


(sbsun.com)

Sporting goods company 3N2 has come to terms with Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Chris Perez on a product endorsement deal. Perez, who previously played for the St. Louis Cardinals and Cleveland Indians, will wear 3N2 footwear and apparel as a Dodger during the 2014 Major League Baseball (MLB) season.

Perez joins a roster of 3N2 athletes that includes the Philadelphia Phillies’ AJ Burnett, Milwaukee Brewer and former National League MVP Ryan Braun, and two-time Olympic Softball medalist Natasha Watley.

Perez, who enjoyed back-to-back All Star seasons as a Cleveland Indian in 2011 and 2012, will look to reestablish himself in Los Angeles, fortifying a bullpen with World Series aspirations.

“Chris is a passionate guy – about life and about baseball. Los Angeles is a great fit for him. He leaves it all on the diamond, and the LA fans will love him,” says 3N2 CEO Sean Murphy. “He’s also a great fit for 3N2 – we look forward to a long relationship.”

Said Perez, “I’m really excited to join the 3N2 brand. They’ve been great to me so far and I’m looking forward to the partnership that lies ahead.”

About 3N2
Headquartered in Orlando, FL, 3N2 maintains a singular focus on designing and developing the most dynamic line of high-performance athletic footwear and apparel in the marketplace. Learn more at www.3N2Sports.com


(missourisportsredux.com)

Here’s a free tip to that legion of relievers making plans to be in the Dodgers’ bullpen this season: Better be on your game early and often.

General Manager Ned Colletti has assembled a relief corps of pitchers who are used to being in at the end of games, including former closers Brian Wilson, Brandon League and Chris Perez.

Perez is the former Indians closer signed during the off-season, and his  early spring results are all of the encouraging variety.

Tuesday was a relievers game anyway, seven different members of the bullpen filling in for starter Zack Greinke, who remains out with a calf strain.

Several relievers shined in the Dodgers’ 4-1 loss to the Mariners at Camelback Ranch, but particularly encouraging was the pitching of Perez.

The right-hander was released by Cleveland after going 5-3 with 25 saves, a 4.33 ERA and a 1.43 WHIP last season. Perez, 28, wanted a chance to rebuild his career and signed a one-year deal with the Dodgers.

Tuesday he pitched a perfect fifth inning, striking out two. In two innings this spring, he has not allowed a hit or a walk and has struck out three.

Wilson actually started the game, and like Kenley Jansen, Chris Withrow and Red Patterson, did not allow a run.

J.P. Howell was the reliever who faltered, allowing three runs (two earned) and four hits in one inning. Jamey Wright also gave up a run in his one inning.
The Dodgers’ only run came via a solo home run from outfielder Trayvon Robinson, the former Dodgers prospect who was traded to Seattle in the deal for Tim Federowicz in 2011. Robinson spent two years with the Mariners and ended up with the Orioles, who released him at the end of last season before he signed back up with the Dodgers in January.


(latimes.com)

Chris Perez did not have an impressive 2013: his 1.43 WHIP, fuelled by the right-hander giving more than a hit per inning, was a career-worst, as was his 4.33 ERA. The former Indians closer landed with the Dodgers in the offseason and as he told Jon Weisman of Dodgers.com, the injuries he battled in the first half of 2013 caused him to adjust his arm slot, meaning he never really got his mechanics right all season.

“Once I got healthy in the second half of the year, I went back to my normal arm slot,” he said. “But I had been pitching three of four months from different arm slots. I was in between arm slots, which is tough to do, especially in my role last year as a closer. … This year, coming in healthy, I’m back to my normal arm slot and hopefully it stays there all year.”

Perez was dealing with shoulder issues right from the start of Spring Training in 2013 and took months to fully recover, attempting to pitch through the pain before finally hitting the DL with stiffness in his rotator cuff in late May. Despite seeming to put those health issues behind him after that stint, things actually got worse for the reliever in the second half, as he gave up seven home runs and 33 hits in just 27 1/3 innings, contributing to his 5.60 ERA and 1.50 WHIP, a performance Perez obviously attributes to his mechanical issues.

The 28-year-old won't be anywhere near the closer role in 2014. Strikeout machine Kenley Jansen is firmly entrenched as the first choice in the ninth, with former Giants closer Brian Wilson lined up to be his primary set-up man. If Perez can stay healthy and put together a performance like he did in 2012, he may find a team willing to pay him to be their closer next offseason.


(sportsinjuryalert.com)

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- If all Chris Perez needs is a change of scenery, he's got it.

He's in Dodgers camp with a clean slate. He's not expected to live up to a big salary or save games, let alone a franchise.

He said he's here to reestablish himself as an effective Major League reliever. Like several new Dodgers, he said he is willing to take on a lesser role for the chance to play on a World Series contender.

He takes the blame for last year's struggles, saying he made mechanical changes so he could pitch through injuries, but those changes turned into bad habits that turned pitches into home runs (11 in 54 innings). By September, he had lost the closer job in Cleveland. At the end of November, he was released.

He said -- and he's shown so far in a few impressive bullpen sessions -- that he's healthy.

"Last year was a learning experience, and I learned I can't pitch through [injuries]," Perez said. "I felt I had to stay out there. I feel a lot better now. I feel I can pitch back to that [All-Star] level. But I've still got to show it. I'm excited for the games to start. I've got a little chip on my shoulder. I've got something to prove."

He even thanked the Indians for releasing him quickly, giving him extra time to find a new home.

"No hard feelings," he said. "I understand why they did what they did. They could have non-tendered me much later."

The home he found is in a Dodgers bullpen where 20-save seasons are almost mandatory for admittance. In addition to Perez, Kenley Jansen, Brian Wilson, Brandon League, J.P. Howell and Javy Guerra have each done it in the big leagues.

Perez, 28, had 25 saves for the Indians last year, but he also had a career-high 4.33 ERA, a shoulder strain that cost him most of Spring Training, then a month before the All-Star break with discomfort in a different part of the shoulder, and a misdemeanor marijuana arrest.

"Just one of those up and down years," he said.

He also had a $7.3 million salary last year that projected to increase to $9 million in 2014 through arbitration, which was the main reason the Indians cut him loose. The Dodgers signed him for a $2.3 million base and as much as $6 million more in incentives if he appears in 60 games and finishes 55 of them.

Perez's salary climbed to $7.3 million after back-to-back All-Star seasons in 2011-12. A former first-round pick of St. Louis, he was dealt to Cleveland in 2009 for Mark DeRosa and emerged as the Indians closer in 2010. He has 132 career saves, more than Jansen or League or Howell or Guerra.

Perez said he knows he could have had a closer job elsewhere, but chose a lower profile role with the Dodgers.

"But for me, this is a good situation," he said. "It's fun to be part of a team like this."

It's fun, he said, to be in a bullpen as loaded as the Dodgers' appears to be.

"It's fun to imagine what the games will be like," he said. "The way our starting rotation stacks up, they get us as deep as the sixth inning and with all the arms we have in the bullpen, it's exciting to think about. And the [reputation] will get around the league. By the sixth or seventh inning, game's over. That's fun to think about."

Not much fun was last year's misdemeanor arrest, the coverage of which led Perez to impose a three-month media blackout. Like the injury, he said that's history.

"I don't think that was a distraction to me as a pitcher at all," he said. "I wasn't on the mound thinking, I've got to go to court. The mound was my sanctuary. I was always able to concentrate and focus on baseball. Now it's all behind me, everything legal is fulfilled and I've turned the page."


(mlb.com)

Who really knows if the Dodgers gave their bullpen a boost this week with the addition of Chris Perez?

But they most assuredly gave us a Christmas gift. Us, as in the media, a group that:

1) Celebrates the absurd.
2) Trumpets the outspoken.
3) Highlights the offensive.

In Perez, the Dodgers just signed a Triple Crown candidate. Unless you consider it uninteresting that Perez was busted in June after a package containing marijuana arrived at his home, addressed to the family dog.

Perez was playing and living in Cleveland at the time. The package reportedly was sent from Los Angeles, so maybe joining the Dodgers was simply Perez’s way of eliminating the middle man.

For the record, we’re of the opinion that marijuana use isn’t the most insidious crime on the planet. Perhaps that’s because, as a fan of the NBA, we appreciate the role weed plays in keeping that league going.

But we also support the notion that pets can be more entertaining than people, and, honestly, who wouldn’t want to meet a pooch that was on the receiving end of a pot shipment?

Whatever his explanation, Perez’s addition – and think about this one for a few seconds – now makes Brian Wilson’s beard only the second-most intriguing resident of the Dodgers’ bullpen. Wilson’s beard doesn’t even pack as much color as Perez does. Amazing.

The Dodgers certainly aren’t the Angels, and we don’t just mean because the Dodgers occasionally make the playoffs. The Dodgers also have significantly more personality in their clubhouse than do the Angels, who can be about as titillating as watching grass grow.

Speaking of grass, Perez also admitted to police last spring that marijuana found in his home was for his “personal use.” Authorities apparently were unable to get a similar confession out of Perez’s dog.

It’s easy to be less than serious about this topic because the charges Perez faced were a misdemeanor. According to reports, he eventually pleaded no contest and received a year of probation, meaning he might have been punished more harshly for speeding.

Throughout his time with the Indians, Perez often was called the “colorful closer.” He also answers to the nickname “Pure Rage” and has been known to bust out the celebratory moves of professional wrestlers as a way to punctuate noteworthy strikeouts.

The Dodgers had an overly animated pitcher once named Jose Lima, who cut a mambo album and performed at wedding receptions.


(ocregister.com)

Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register reports that Chris Perez will receive a $2.25 million base salary in his one-year contract with the Dodgers.
There are also incentives that can bump the deal up to $6 million or possibly even $8 million if Perez winds up closing some games. Of course, with Kenley Jansen and Brian Wilson already at the back end of the bullpen, there will need to be some injuries before he sees time in the ninth inning.


(rotoworld.com)

A source told Dylan Hernandez of the L.A. Times that the Dodgers and Chris Perez are close to a one-year deal.
It looks like Perez will take the guaranteed money rather than hoping that a team like the Astros or Orioles will step up with an offer that would keep him in the closer's role. On the Dodgers, he'll certainly be behind Kenley Jansen and Brian Wilson in line for saves, and he's probably a worse bet than Chris Withrow.


(rotoworld.com)

Some of the teams talking to Chris Perez are discussing him in a role other than closer, Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer hears.
Perez has primarily served as closer in his six-year career, registering at least 23 saves in each of the last four seasons. But the 28-year-old struggled to a 4.33 ERA last season and was outright released by the Indians following the season. The Mets and Orioles are two teams who have been linked to Perez in recent days.


(rotoworld.com)

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Still on the Mets’ wish list this winter is supplementing the bullpen and providing insurance in case closer Bobby Parnell isn’t ready for the 2014 season following neck surgery. The need is more pressing after LaTroy Hawkins agreed to become the Rockies’ closer last month.

One option the Mets are considering is former Indians closer Chris Perez, according to a person with knowledge of the club’s thinking. The person requested anonymity to speak freely on the matter.

Perez is just 28 years old and a two-time All-Star. He is two years removed from compiling a career-high 39 saves. He recorded 36 saves in 2012 and was one of the sport’s premier set-up men in 2011, posting a 1.71 ERA in 63 games.

But 2013 was a disaster. On the field, he had a 4.33 ERA and boycotted the media for nearly two months. Off the field, he and his wife were arrested on drug possession charges on June 4. The Indians released him on Halloween.

The combination makes Perez is a possibility for the Mets, who are working with about $15 million for the remainder of the offseason.

“The bullpen is important,” Mets general manager Sandy Alderson said Sunday. “The bullpen needs to improve. I think most of that improvement is going to come through the development of our young good arms in the system. Would we like to have somebody more established that could pitch with Parnell in the8th and 9th inning? Yup. I think, all things being equal, we’d like that.”


(nj.com)

Chris Perez is on site at the Winter Meetings, having face-to-face discussions with interested teams.
It's a smart move for Perez, who had a number of off-field incidents in his final couple years with Cleveland. He was released in late October and is now trying to find a spot at the back end of a new bullpen. Perez, 28, posted a rough 4.33 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 54/21 K/BB ratio across 54 innings this past summer for the Indians.


(rotoworld.com)

Britt Ghiroli of MLB.com reports that the Orioles could be interested in free agent closer Chris Perez.
The O's have set to the open market in search of a closer after dealing Jim Johnson to the A's, and Perez can be added to a list of possible candidates that already includes John Axford. The 28-year-old struggled in his final season in Cleveland, posting a 4.33 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 54/21 K/BB ratio over 54 innings.


(rotoworld.com)

Facing a decision on whether to tender him a 2014 contract via arbitration, the Indians have decided to simply release closer Chris Perez.

Perez made off-field headlines when he was arrested for having marijuana delivered to his house in his dog’s name this season, but he also missed time on the disabled list and struggled with a 4.33 ERA and five blown saves in 30 chances. He was a total mess down the stretch.

Perez was acquired from the Cardinals in the mid-2009 trade for Mark DeRosa and ended up spending five seasons in Cleveland, saving 124 games with a 3.33 ERA and 251 strikeouts in 268 innings. However, his velocity was down this season and he served up too many homers to go along with what has always been shaky control.

He’d have been in line for a raise on this year’s $7.3 million salary and it would have been tough for the Indians to justify that type of money for a 60-inning reliever who’s not even elite. Perez will surely draw plenty of interest as a free agent, but may have to compete for a closer gig or maybe even settle for a setup role.


(hardballtalk.com)

Indians manager Terry Francona said he's undecided on who he will use in the postseason as his closer.

Chris Perez was pulled from the role last week and seems unlikely to get the job back during the playoffs. "We're not there yet," said Francona. "We'll see how things go." Matt Albers, Joe Smith and Justin Masterson were used in the ninth inning this past weekend, though they were all in non-save situations. Masterson would be an intriguing option, though it's possible he could eventually go back into the rotation. "Some of it probably depends on how stretched out he gets," Francona said of Masterson. "He's a good pitcher, so I'm not as worried about what his role going forward is. I just like the idea that he's a really good pitcher and we plan to use him."


(rotoworld.com)

MINNEAPOLIS -- When Chris Perez went silent, he vowed to maintain his media silence for the entirety of the season. On Sunday, while the Indians celebrated the clinching of the top American League Wild Card spot, the deposed closer approached a group of reporters.

"I'll talk now," Perez said.

Perez covered a wide range of topics, ranging from his troubles on the mound and off the field to being stripped of his ninth-inning duties earlier this weekend. What the pitcher wanted to emphasize, though, was how happy he is to be heading to the playoffs with Cleveland.

After enduring four consecutive losing seasons with the Indians, Perez was savoring the champagne.

"You can't put this feeling into words," Perez said. "It's been a magical year."

With their 5-1 win over the Twins at Target Field, the Indians have earned the right to host Wednesday's Wild Card Game at Progressive Field, with first pitch scheduled for 8:07 p.m. ET. The Tribe ended the season on a 10-game winning streak, picked up 15 victories in their past 17 games, won 21 games in September and finished the campaign with 92 wins overall.

Cleveland has accomplished all of this without the same one-two punch that existed in the eighth and ninth innings in the past few seasons. Setup man Vinnie Pestano's struggles in the first half cost him his role, and the recent woes of Perez cost him his job as well.

Following Thursday's 6-5 win in Minnesota, after giving up four runs in the ninth inning, Perez stopped by the office of manager Terry Francona.

"I'm here to help the team," Perez said. "I went into Tito's office the other night and said, 'I'm not going to cost this team a playoff spot. You need to make a change right now. You've got four or five guys who are throwing the [heck] out of the ball. I don't have an ego. Make the change.' And he did.

"Fans asked me at the start of the year about what my goals are. I told them I'd take 20 saves if we could make the playoffs. We made the playoffs and I've got 25 saves."

Francona finished the season with a closer-by-committee, but a save situation did not present itself in the final three games.

In 54 appearances this season, which was his fourth as the club's closer, Perez posted a career-high 4.33 ERA with 25 saves in 30 opportunities. He dealt with a right shoulder injury in Spring Training and again in late May, when he was shelved for roughly one month. Upon returning from the disabled list, Perez posted a 0.53 ERA with nine straight saves through the end of July.

Perez also began his media blackout when rejoining the team in Baltimore during the June 24-27 series. The pitcher said he went silent due to some of the things that were written after he faced a misdemeanor drug charge in early June.

"A lot of stuff has happened to me this year," Perez said. "I told my wife I wouldn't talk until the end of the year, good or bad. ... There were some times this year that stuff was written that wasn't accurate. Or, somebody was making assumptions. I would have liked to talk to set the record straight, but I made a decision and stuck by it. It was time to just focus on baseball."

As for his struggles over the season's final two months -- Perez posted a 7.52 ERA with seven home runs allowed in 20 1/3 innings, dating back to Aug. 1 -- the pitcher said he simply has some mechanical adjustments to sort out. He threw off the mound at Target Field on Sunday to work on the issues.

"Physically, I'm good," Perez said. "It's just a little mechanical adjustment I need to make. ... I've had a rough couple of months, but you can't pick when it's going to happen. This game can humble you fast. I still feel I can contribute to this team. I know I'm going to. It's terrible when it happens late in the year and you're in it.

"I haven't given up. I don't know if [I'll pitch] in the fifth inning or the seventh inning, whatever, but I'm going to help the team. At this time of year, especially when you're in it, you toss your ego aside."


(mlb.com)

Chris Perez has been terrible since August 1, posting a 5.95 ERA in 20 innings while allowing opponents to hit .321 with six homers and a 1.006 OPS. That includes serving up two homers and blowing a save in his most recent appearance Tuesday, but the Indians are sticking with Perez as closer as they near the playoffs.

Here’s what manager Terry Francona told Dennis Manoloff of the Cleveland Plain Dealer when asked about Perez’s status:

Can you imagine if, every time somebody gave up a homer, we went to somebody else? If we just automatically went to somebody else, we wouldn’t have a team. I wouldn’t want to play for that guy. If there’s ever a situation where I think we can do better, I will certainly do that. But you can’t just be reactionary as a manager or you’ll have turmoil in that clubhouse. If you react to one game or an inning, you can upset a lot of what’s so good in there.

Which is fine and reasonable, except no one was asking about Perez’s status because he had one bad game or served up one homer, they were asking because he’s been awful for two months now leading directly into the playoffs.


(hardballtalk.com)

Chris Perez blew his fifth save of the season but escaped with a no-decision in Tuesday's win over the White Sox.

Perez allowed a game-tying homer to Dayan Viciedo to lead off the ninth before Alejandro De Aza put the Pale Hose up with another blast with two outs. After Alexei Ramirez singled, Perez was then pulled. Jason Giambi then bailed Perez out with a walk-off shot in the bottom of the frame. Indians manager Terry Francona isn't interested in changing roles at this point, so Perez will get the ball again for the next save chance.


(rotoworld.com)

CLEVELAND — Ubaldo Jimenez struck out 10 in seven innings and Asdrubal Cabrera, Yan Gomes and Carlos Santana each hit solo homers, leading the Cleveland Indians to a 4-3 win against the Kansas City Royals on Monday night in a matchup between two teams in the thick of the AL wild card chase.

The Indians, who won despite having only five hits, stayed even with Baltimore, 1½ games back of Tampa Bay for the second wild card spot. The Royals dropped to four games behind the Rays.

Jimenez (11-9) allowed one unearned run and didn’t walk a batter. The right-hander left with a 4-1 lead after throwing 99 pitches, but Alex Gordon hit a two-run homer off Cody Allen in the eighth.

Chris Perez survived a shaky ninth for his 23rd save, retiring Gordon on a fly ball with the bases loaded to end the game. The Indians have won six of their past eight.


(newarkadvocate.com)

The Cleveland Indians are expected to shop closer Chris Perez during the offseason, reports Terry Pluto of the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

The closer entered Friday with a 3.59 ERA, recording 22 saves in 25 chances. Perez has served as the team's closer since 2010, compiling 120 saves over the past four seasons.

Perez is eligible for aribitration after the 2013 season. Cleveland paid the closer $7.3 million this year, and Pluto estimates that Perez will earn close to $9 million next year.

The Indians reportedly tested Perez's trade market last season, but did not find strong enough value to move the closer.

His value is unlikely to increase despite a solid campaign. Perez has battled off the field issues, including a misdemeanor conviction for marijuana possession. He has also seen his average fastball velocity drop to 92.6 mph, his lowest since joining Cleveland.

Cody Allen is a strong candidate to close next season if Perez is moved, according to Pluto. Allen has a 2.34 ERA over 64 appearances, racking up 77 strikeouts.


(sbnation.com)

ROCKY RIVER, Ohio -- Cleveland Indians two-time All-Star closer Chris Perez pleaded no contest and was convicted Tuesday of misdemeanor drug abuse for marijuana shipped to his home in the family dog's name.

Perez withdrew his not guilty plea in Rocky River Municipal Court outside Cleveland and was found guilty and fined $250. He also was placed on probation for one year and was ordered to speak to youngsters about drugs.

"You're highly regarded; kids look up to you," Judge Brian Hagan said. "But you made a big mistake. I hope that through your efforts you can deter someone else from making that same mistake."

Postal inspectors tipped off police about suspicious packages mailed to the Perez home. They say Perez's wife, Melanie, accepted two packages with about a third of a pound of marijuana.

The related criminal case against her is pending. If she passes a drug test, she will face a $50 fine and will not be required to serve probation, said prosecutor Michael O'Shea.

Authorities say Melanie Perez, whose maiden name is Baum, told the undercover officer delivering the packages that they were intended for her dog, named Brody. The package was addressed to Brody Baum.

According to investigators, Perez told drug agents with a search warrant that he had pot for personal use and pointed out two jars. Asked about any drugs or weapons by officers who went to the Perez home, Perez "volunteered to direct the officers to the location of it," an investigative report said.

Under the drug agreement between Major League Baseball and its players' association, marijuana offenses generally result with the player undergoing a treatment program rather than discipline.

Perez is participating in the treatment program and is subject to regular drug tests, defense attorney Terry Gilbert told The (Cleveland) Plain Dealer.
"For all intents and purposes, his life is on a good track," Gilbert said.

The 28-year-old Perez (5-2) has 21 saves on the season in 25 opportunities with a 3.15 ERA.


(espn.com)

Chris Perez threw a scoreless ninth inning to earn his 21st save against the Twins on Sunday.

This was a nice performance to see in light of Perez' struggles earlier this month. Entering the game, the veteran closer had posted a 6.30 ERA and 1.40 WHIP over 10 August innings. Despite the occasional rocky outing, Perez has no job-security issues and owns a 3.22 ERA and 1.21 WHIP over 44 games. The Indians are 3-1 in Perez' four blown saves this year.


(rotoworld.com)

Chris Perez blew his fourth save Wednesday, but he went on to pick up his fifth win against the Twins.

The Indians are 3-1 when Perez blows saves this year, with Perez picking up two of those wins. In this one, he gave up a game-tying solo homer to Joe Mauer in the bottom of the 10th, but he stayed in and pitched a scoreless 11th before the Indians scored in the top of the 12th. Joe Smith took over in the bottom of the 12th and pitched a scoreless inning for his second save.


(rotoworld.com)

Chris Perez threw a scoreless ninth inning to earn his 19th save against the Twins on Tuesday.

Perez allowed a double to Oswaldo Arcia but escaped without further incident. He's now thrown three scoreless innings and picked up two saves since his meltdown against the Tigers last week. Despite the occasion hiccups, he remains a solid option for saves.


(rotoworld.com)

Chris Perez fired a perfect ninth inning on Sunday against the Angels to earn his 18th save of the season.
He also struck out his 33rd batter (over 37 2/3 innings). Perez has only given up runs in three different appearances since coming off the DL in late June, but he's probably still washing the taste of Monday's game (four runs without retiring a batter against the Tigers) from his mouth. Perez is 18-for-21 in save conversions and owns a 3.35 ERA and 1.22 WHIP.


(rotoworld.com)

Chris Perez pitched a perfect ninth inning against the Royals on Saturday, preserving a two-run lead and earning his 12th save of the season. Perez needed just 12 pitches to dispatch of the three Royals hitters he faced, including a strikeout of Alcides Escobar to end the night.



(rotoworld.com)

ROCKY RIVER, Ohio -- Indians pitcher Chris Perez and his wife Melanie, both facing misdemeanor drug charges, appeared in Rocky River Municipal Court this morning for a pre-trial conference.

The couple came into the courthouse, but did not enter the courtroom, where their lawyers discussed the exchange of evidence with Rocky River Prosecutor Michael O'Shea.

They are to appear again Sept. 3.

The Perezes arrived at the courthouse before 8:30 a.m. and were whisked away by attorney Gordon Friedman, who represents Melanie Perez, after the couple was confronted by media.

The Perezes sought refuge in the waiting area of the courthouse probation department. At one point, they came out into the building lobby where they huddled with Friedman and Chris Perez's attorney Terry Gilbert.

Perez declined to speak with reporters.

At about 9:30 a.m., Gilbert and Friedman were before Judge Brian Hagan, asking for a continuance.

Perez pitched an inning of scoreless relief late Monday night during a rainy Indians loss to the Detroit Tigers at Progressive Field.

The Perezes pleaded not guilty last month to drug abuse, a fourth-degree misdemeanor, after an undercover police officer dressed as a mailman delivered to their home two packages that authorities say contained marijuana.

The Priority Mail packages, addressed to the Perez family dog and mailed from Los Angeles, were intercepted at the Rocky River Post Office after a supervisor detected a skunky smell coming from them, according to a postal service report on the incident.

Postal inspectors opened the packages after obtaining a search warrant. The report states the inspectors found two bags of marijuana totaling more than 9 ounces,  with the bags slathered in petroleum jelly and stuffed in plastic containers.

After resealing the packages, the undercover police officer delivered them to the Perez home, according to the report. The officer was met by Melanie Perez, who confirmed that Brody Baum lived there, the report states.

Brody is the name of the Perez family dog. Baum is Melanie Perez's maiden name. She told the officer the packages were for the dog and to leave them on the porch, according to the report.

Melanie Perez and her husband, who was on the disabled list at the time, then went out to lunch and a movie, leaving their two children with a babysitter, according to the report. After returning home,  the couple found postal inspectors and detectives from the Westshore Enforcement Bureau and Rocky River police searching their home.

A Rocky River police detective wrote in a report that Chis Perez told an officer that marijuana and paraphernalia found in the basement belonged to him.


(plaindealer.com)

Chris Perez worked a scoreless ninth inning to earn his eighth save, and the Indians edged the Royals 6-5 on Tuesday.

It wasn't all roses on Tuesday -- a Jarrod Dyson walk and an Alex Gordon single made things interesting, but Perez worked out of the jam without incident. He's now made three scoreless appearances since returning from the disabled list, suggesting his right shoulder is feeling much better than it did a month ago.


(rotoworld.com)

BALTIMORE -- Chris Perez has been activated from the 15-day disabled list by the Cleveland Indians and will immediately resume his role as closer.

Perez was sidelined May 27 with right shoulder soreness. While he was out, he and his wife were charged with misdemeanor drug possession after marijuana was mailed to their Ohio home in their dog's name.

Both have pleaded not guilty. Perez declined to speak with reporters Thursday at Camden Yards.

Indians manager Terry Francona says Perez's return will strengthen the bullpen by allowing other relievers to return to their previous roles.

The Indians also traded infielder John McDonald, designated for assignment Wednesday, to the Philadelphia Phillies for cash or a player to be named.

To make room for Perez on the 25-man roster, left-hander T.J. House was optioned to Triple-A Columbus.


(espn.com)

Indians closer Chris Perez will be activated from the disabled list Thursday, manager Terry Francona told reporters in Baltimore Wednesday (via cleveland.com).

Perez has been on the DL since May 27 due to a right shoulder strain and also suffered a setback during his rehab. He was set to return this past Friday, but an awful outing during his minor-league rehab assignment caused the Indians to delay his return.

Perez threw a scoreless inning for Class A Mahoning Valley on Tuesday, however, and the Indians seemed pleased enough to bring him back.

"He'll join us Thursday. Chris felt good after Tuesday's appearance," said Francona (via cleveland.com). "The reports were good, as well."

Francona also told reporters that Perez will immediately resume closing duties.

He is 6 for 8 in save chances with a 4.32 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 18 strikeouts in 16 2/3 innings this season. The two-time All-Star had a 0.64 ERA before his last three outings, possibly when he started dealing with the shoulder injury.

Vinnie Pestano was 4 for 4 in save chances with a 3.27 ERA since Perez went on the DL and he'll now return to setup duties.


(cbssports.com)

Indians’ closer Chris Perez was hoping to be activated from the disabled list following a successful bullpen session yesterday, but he’s not ready yet.

Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports that Perez is scheduled to make another rehab appearance tomorrow with Class A Mahoning Valley. Perez, out since May 26 with right shoulder soreness, yielded five runs on five hits (including three homers) in one inning during his last rehab appearance last Tuesday. While his shoulder feels fine, the Indians want to see how he fares tomorrow before bringing him back.

Perez, 27, had a 4.32 ERA and 18/10 K/BB ratio in 16 2/3 innings prior to landing on the disabled list. He is 6-for-8 in save chances this season.


(hardballtalk.com)

Chris Perez (shoulder) believes he's ready to be activated from the disabled list following a successful simulated game Sunday.
Perez said after the throwing session that it's the best he's felt in a long time. The Indians haven't announced anything yet, but it sounds like they should get their closer back this week.


(rotoworld.com)

Indians closer Chris Perez was supposed to return from the disabled list on Friday. But it won’t happen.

According to Nick Camino of Cleveland’s WTAM 1100, the Indians are pulling back from their original plan for Perez because he got hammered in a rehab appearance on Tuesday night at Double-A Akron and they’re worried that his mechanics are off.

Perez will play long toss on Wednesday evening and is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Friday.

The right-hander has been sidelined since May 26 because of discomfort in his throwing shoulder. Vinnie Pestano will continue to fill in at closer for the Indians, who are currently four games back of the Tigers in the American League Central standings.


(hardballtalk.com)

Indians closer Chris Perez was supposed to return from the disabled list on Friday. But it won’t happen.

According to Nick Camino of Cleveland’s WTAM 1100, the Indians are pulling back from their original plan for Perez because he got hammered in a rehab appearance on Tuesday night at Double-A Akron and they’re worried that his mechanics are off.

Perez will play long toss on Wednesday evening and is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Friday.

The right-hander has been sidelined since May 26 because of discomfort in his throwing shoulder. Vinnie Pestano will continue to fill in at closer for the Indians, who are currently four games back of the Tigers in the American League Central standings.


(hardballtalk.com)

Cleveland Indians RP Chris Perez (shoulder) will make another rehab outing Tuesday, June 18, and is expected to be activated from the disabled list Friday, June 21.

Fantasy Tip: Perez should immediately return to closing duties for the Tribe, moving Vinnie Pestano back to the eighth-inning setup role. There's no need to hold onto Pestano in mixed formats when Perez returns.


(kffl.com)

Injured Indians closer Chris Perez and his wife pleaded not guilty Monday to misdemeanor marijuana possession charges. The pleas were faxed into Rocky River Municipal Court by their attorneys and included a request to drop the requirement that the Perezes appear in person for their June 19 arraignment, according to the Associated Press.

The charges stem from an investigation last week that revealed two packages containing about 1/3 of a pound of marijuana were delivered to the Perez household in the name of their dog. Seriously. Here's the excerpt from the AP:

Authorities say Melanie Perez, whose maiden name is Baum, told the undercover officer delivering the packages that they were intended for her dog, named Brody. The package was addressed to Brody Baum.

Chris Perez was reportedly cooperative with the authorities, as he "volunteered to direct the officers to the location" of the drugs when asked.

Reports indicate charges of this nature are tantamount to a traffic ticket, meaning Perez faces little more than a fine, at worst. Also, under the MLB drug agreement, players face treatment programs instead of suspensions for this type of offense.

Perez, 27, has successfully closed six of his eight save chances this season and sports a 4.32 ERA. The two-time All-Star had a 0.64 ERA before his last three outings, however, during which time he may have been dealing with pain. He's currently on the disabled list with shoulder tendinitis.


(cbssports.com)

CLEVELAND -- Cleveland Indians two-time All-Star closer Chris Perez, who is charged with misdemeanor marijuana possession, told drug agents he had pot in his home for personal use and pointed out two jars, according to investigative reports.

Asked about any drugs or weapons by officers who went to the Perez home on Tuesday with a search warrant, "Perez responded that he had 'personal use' marijuana in the basement and volunteered to direct the officers to the location of it," an investigative report said.

"He pointed out a number of items of paraphernalia along with two separate 'mason' jars containing a green vegetable matter suspected of being marijuana," it said.

Police, tipped off to suspicious packages by postal inspectors, arranged a delivery Tuesday under surveillance, and Perez's wife, Melanie, accepted two packages, the reports said.

A later house search under warrant began while Perez and his wife were out for lunch and a movie, the reports said. A babysitter was caring for two children.

Police say Perez returned home and mentioned personal marijuana use to the search team of officers.

Perez, 27, and his 29-year-old wife were charged in a complaint filed Friday with misdemeanor drug possession in the shipment of just over one-third of a pound of marijuana mailed to their home. They haven't commented, but their attorney said they would plead not guilty.

"We ask that people not rush to judgment. We are confident of a favorable outcome," attorney Terry Gilbert said in a statement on their behalf.

Perez and his wife were released on personal bond.

"Clearly we take these matters seriously and are disappointed whenever there is any negative attention brought to the Indians organization or one of our players," general manager Chris Antonetti said in a statement. "We understand and respect that there is an ongoing legal process that we will allow to evolve."

Under the drug agreement between Major League Baseball and its players' association, marijuana offenses generally result with the player undergoing a treatment program rather than discipline.

Melanie Perez, whose maiden name is Baum, told the undercover officer delivering the packages that they were intended for her dog, named Brody. The package was addressed to Brody Baum, according to postal inspectors.

Questioned later when investigators returned to the house, Melanie Perez told them that she doesn't smoke marijuana but that her husband "had drug paraphernalia" in the house.

Asked whether the marijuana shipment was intended for her husband, Melanie Perez responded, "What did Chris say?" according to the investigative report.

The packages smelled of marijuana and had a Los Angeles return address with a name that that wasn't associated with that location, postal inspectors said.

Dan Chaplin, a Cleveland defense attorney not connected with the case, compared the charge to a traffic ticket and said a conviction likely would be punished with a fine.

Perez has six saves this season but is on the disabled list with an injured right shoulder. The right-hander started throwing again this week.

Perez, an often-polarizing figure, and Cleveland fans have gotten on each other's nerves over the past couple of years. He recently deactivated his Twitter account after criticism from fans following a couple of bad outings.

In previous seasons, Perez has lashed out at fans for not coming to games, and at owners for not spending money on free agents.


(espn.com)

DETROIT -- Indians' closer Chris Perez played catch for just the second day since he was placed on the disabled list, but he could be facing additional drug testing by Major League Baseball after police found what is believed to be marijuana in a search of his Rocky River residence on Tuesday.

Perez, the Indians' two-time All-Star closer, played catch at 90 feet Thursday at Progressive Field. It was just the second time he's thrown a baseball since going on the disabled list May 27 with a strained muscle in the rotator cuff of his right shoulder.

Rocky River police, U.S postal inspectors and the West Shore Enforcement Bureau found "a controlled delivery of drugs" to the home that Perez and his wife, Melanie, are renting. Rocky River police said later the substance was believed to be marijuana and it has been sent to a crime lab to be tested.

Perez and his wife were not arrested and no charges were filed.

As part of MLB's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program, marijuana is listed as a drug of abuse. Players are not tested for such drugs unless there is reasonable cause by either the team or the players association that the player has in the last 12 months "engaged in the use, possession, sale or distribution of a drug of abuse."

If the program's treatment board receives a "reasonable cause notification" from either side about a player, and the board agrees with it, the player would be tested no later than 48 hours after the board was notified. If the player tests positive, a treatment program would be provided which could include further testing.
A player who failed to comply with the program or continued to fail tests could be fined up to $35,000 for each violation. The player would not be subject to a suspension.

According to sources, the Indians are unlikely to pursue such a course of action against Perez even if charges are filed against him. In MLB's fight against PEDS, marijuana is at the bottom of its hit list.

Perez and all other MLB players are subject to the strictest drug testing in professional spots in North America. Starting on the first day of spring training, they are tested for performance enhancing drugs, stimulants and HGH. Perez has never had a positive test.


(plaindealer.com)

CLEVELAND -- Drug agents are investigating a suspected marijuana shipment mailed to the suburban home of Cleveland Indians closer Chris Perez, authorities said Wednesday.

Rocky River Police Chief Kelly Stillman said city officers, a regional narcotics unit and postal inspectors were involved in Tuesday's daylong operation investigating a delivery to Perez's home in the lakeside Cleveland suburb.

No charges have been filed and the matter remains under investigation. A message seeking comment was left for Perez's attorney.

At a news conference Wednesday, the police chief said the operation likely originated with a package that appeared suspicious to postal employees. "They took it from there," he said.

In a brief written update Wednesday afternoon, the police chief confirmed the shipment was suspected to be marijuana, but said that the state crime laboratory will have to confirm that.

"Depending on what it was and how much it was, charges will be filed accordingly," Stillman said.

Officers with a search warrant took evidence from the Perez house, according to the chief, but the seized items weren't specified.

Indians general manager Chris Antonetti said in a statement that the team had talked with Perez and was "gathering additional information."

Manager Terry Francona, addressing the situation before the Indians' Wednesday afternoon game against the Yankees in New York, said he had reached out to Perez to check on him.

"I spoke to him this morning, called him, just wanted to make sure he was OK," he said. "Out of respect to everybody involved, that's really all I can say."

The Indians' often-polarizing closer has six saves this season, but is on the disabled list with an injured right shoulder. He and Cleveland fans have gotten on each other's nerves the last couple years, and he recently deactivated his Twitter account after hearing it from fans following a couple of bad outings.
In previous seasons, Perez has criticized fans for not coming to games, and ownership for not spending money on free agents.

The right-hander was supposed to start throwing again this week. Francona said he wasn't sure if the investigation would affect Perez' injury rehabilitation.

"I don't know. I honestly don't know," he said. "Let's not only go one day at a time, let's go one hour at a time here."


(espn.com)

Perez (shoulder) will resume throwing "in about three days," according to manager Terry Francona, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports. "Perez got a real good examination [Sunday]," Francona said. "We'll give him a few more days without throwing, but again it was a real good examination."

Though Francona didn't elaborate on what exactly made the examination encouraging, it's positive news regardless. The right-hander was shut down early this week, and it sounds like it did wonders for Perez's shoulder pain. Barring setback, Perez should begin to ramp things up in the near future.


(rotowire.com)

Cleveland Indians RP Chris Perez (shoulder) will be re-evaluated Sunday, June 2, before the team plans the next step in his rehab.

Fantasy Tip: Vinnie Pestano will continue to hold down the closer's role in Perez's absence. Pestano should be owned in all formats while Perez is out. The fact that Pestano has regained some of his velocity is a good sign for those that are riding him out for save opps in the short term.


(kffl.com)

Chris Perez underwent an MRI exam after being placed on the disabled list with a shoulder injury and the Indians announced that he’s been diagnosed with mild rotator cuff tendinitis.

Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports that the plan is for Perez to be totally shut down for 5-7 days, at which point he’ll try to resume throwing.

In the meantime Vinnie Pestano will take over as the Indians’ closer and considering how well he’s pitched in a setup role for multiple seasons could conceivably have a pretty tight grip on ninth-inning duties whenever Perez is ready to return.

And Perez won’t even be able to kill time on Twitter while he’s sidelined, because he deleted his account last week after getting nasty comments following back-to-back poor appearances.


(hardballtalk.com)

CLEVELAND -- Indians manager Terry Francona is not sure how Twitter works and he does not care to find out. Francona was also fine with closer Chris Perez's explanation for deleting the social-media account he used to interact with fans the past few years.

Given Perez's history of actions and outspokenness, the disappearance of his Twitter account (previously @ChrisPerez54) following a pair of rough outings swirled into an unlikely news story. While it turned into a one-day distraction for this red-hot Indians club, Francona said Perez's intention was to turn the spotlight toward the team.

"I don't know about it being a good idea or a bad idea," Francona said of Perez deleting his account. "I understand his reasoning was to focus more on what we're doing. So I thought his thought process was really good. I don't think I've looked at a Twitter in my life. I don't even know if I know how. But I like his reasoning, so I'm cool with it."

Perez chose to issue a written statement rather than address the situation with reporters.

"The decision to deactivate my Twitter account," Perez wrote, "was a personal choice I made in order to maintain the greater focus on the success of the team this season and our shared goals moving forward. We have an extremely positive and supportive group of players, coaches and staff members in our clubhouse, and I want to participate in activities and routines that contribute positively to the culture we're building here.

"Out of respect for my teammates, I want to minimize any potential off-the-field distractions, so this is the only time I will comment on this topic. Thank you for your understanding."

Last season, Perez created a stir in the first half, when he made critical comments about the Indians' low attendance totals. The two-time All-Star's comments upset a segment of the fan base, but he received a standing ovation in his first appearance in Cleveland after airing his thoughts.

Perez's willingness to speak his mind has made him a polarizing figure for the Tribe's fan base. The closer was booed as he walked off the field Saturday, when he blew a save after giving up two home runs in the ninth inning of an eventual 5-4 win against Seattle. Perez also gave up a go-ahead home run in the ninth inning of Monday's 10-8, 10-inning victory against the Mariners.

It marked the first time in Perez's career that he allowed home runs in consecutive appearances, but that did not stop some of his Twitter followers from attacking him on the social-media platform. It is possible that Perez, who is 2-0 with a 2.25 ERA and six saves this season, deactivated his account in part due to the harsh criticism he was receiving.

Francona said he has no issues with how Perez has conducted himself this season.

"He's been terrific, I would say, and more," Francona said. "His level of communication with me has been fantastic."


(mlb.com)

CLEVELAND -- Speaking after Monday's thrilling 10-8 walk-off win in extra innings, Indians closer Chris Perez sounded like a guy who thinks something might be wrong.

In the ninth inning of a tie game, Perez threw an 0-1 fastball to leadoff hitter Endy Chavez, who launched it into the right-field seats to give Seattle a 7-6 lead. Chavez's homer came two days after Perez served up solo shots to Raul Ibanez and Justin Smoak that tied Saturday's game in the ninth.

"I don't know if I've mentally changed my mechanics with that little shoulder hiccup a week or two ago," said Perez, who felt shoulder stiffness while warming up on May 12. "I'm not one really to look at a lot of video, but I definitely will get in there tomorrow to see if I can pick up anything. Maybe I'm not closing off enough when I come set -- something."

Prior to the four-game series with Seattle -- which the Indians swept -- Perez had only given up one home run, a long ball to Jose Bautista that came back on April 3 in Toronto. The four solo shots account for all the earned runs that Perez -- who insists he's healthy -- has surrendered in his 15 innings.

"If I can walk the leadoff hitter, we'd be all right," Perez said. "Sometimes, you have to tip your cap. Again, today, I didn't think it was a terrible pitch. He just put a good swing on it and it went. It's just one of those things.

"It's a slump -- a little slump, mini-slump. It happens once or twice a year and you just have to keep grinding, keep trying to make good pitches and get through it."

Perez is 6-for-8 in save opportunities. He has a 2-0 record and 1.80 ERA.

Indians manager Terry Francona isn't overly concerned about his closer -- it'll take more than three home runs in two outings for that to happen.

"That's just part of it. That's the nature of the game," Francona said. "When you're in that role and you give up a home run, it's glaring. That's part of pitching at the end of games. The good part is he feels good and he's done this before. He's going to be a big part of what we do."


(mlb.com)

DETROIT -- Indians closer Chris Perez had both his and the team's long-term goals in mind when he said he couldn't pitch in Sunday's win over the Tigers.

While warming up in the bullpen in the top of the ninth, Perez felt stiffness in his right shoulder and alerted bullpen coach Kevin Cash. Indians manager Terry Francona went with the combination of left-hander Rich Hill and right-hander Cody Allen in the 10th inning to claim a 4-3 victory.

"Missing a day here is better than missing two months," Perez said after the game. "I might've pitched in the past. ... I always want to pitch. I always want to be up. But I felt a little better today knowing we have good arms down there."

Perez said he expected to be available for Monday's doubleheader with the Yankees.

Perez logged 22 pitches in a dramatic ninth-inning save in Saturday's 7-6 win over Detroit, giving the two-time All-Star six saves on the season. Through 13 appearances, the right-hander has gone 1-0 with a 0.69 ERA and 14 strikeouts in 13 innings.

During Spring Training, Perez missed a significant amount of time due a right shoulder injury, but he said this latest incident is unrelated to that.
"It's definitely different," Perez said. "It's a different part of the shoulder."

Prior to Sunday's game, Francona met with Perez and asked the closer to be honest with how he felt during the game, given that the closer worked an intense save the previous night. The manager said he appreciated that Perez was honest with him.

"He was really good about it," Francona said. "After he got up and threw, he said, 'You know what? [the shoulder is stiff].' I thought he used very good judgment. He was feeling it. I just don't want it to lead to an injury."


(mlb.com)

CLEVELAND -- Mike Aviles passed his phone around to a gathering of teammates in the clubhouse on Thursday morning.

One by one, Indians players read the latest article discussing Wednesday night's controversial call. It may take some time before talk about the play dies down.
With two outs in the top of the ninth inning, Oakland's Adam Rosales hit a Chris Perez pitch toward the top of the 19-foot wall in left-center field. The ball appeared to strike the railing above the padded fence. Initially, umpires ruled it a double, but they reviewed the call as Rosales waited at second base.

After the review, they upheld the original ruling, and A's manager Bob Melvin argued his way to an ejection before the Indians eventually hung on for a 4-3 victory.

"That's definitely one of the weirdest saves I've had," Perez said. "The most memorable, for sure. To end the game like that -- I had two outs and nobody on and then the home run, err, double, and then a hit-by-pitch and a walk. It shouldn't have been as intense as it was."

On Thursday, Melvin detailed his thinking during the umpires' review.

"It actually worried me when it took so long," he said. "Even the group in the suite next to us, you could see them look at the replay one time, and they all turned around and said, 'It's a home run.' And when I went to look at it in the video room, their announcers were saying, 'It's a home run, let's go. What's taking so long?' So that was my experience with it."

As Indians players sat around a table on Thursday morning, playing cards and completing crossword puzzles, they discussed how they would approach the situation if they were forced to replay Wednesday's contest from the point of the disputed call.

Melvin doubted that would take place.

"I don't know if there's a precedent for that," Melvin said. "I do know the rule stands that when I ask them to go in and look at replay and they do, and when they come out with a decision, that's supposed to be the end of it. And that's why I was thrown out, for continuing it. Other than that, I don't know."

Major League Baseball executive vice president for baseball operations Joe Torre issued the following statement Thursday regarding the instant replay review: "By rule, the decision to reverse a call by use of instant replay is at the sole discretion of the crew chief. In the opinion of Angel Hernandez, who was last night's crew chief, there was not clear and convincing evidence to overturn the decision on the field. It was a judgment call, and as such, it stands as final.

"Home and away broadcast feeds are available for all uses of instant replay, and they were available to the crew last night. Given what we saw, we recognize that an improper call was made. Perfection is an impossible standard in any endeavor, but our goal is always to get the calls right. Earlier this morning, we began the process of speaking with the crew to thoroughly review all the circumstances surrounding last night's decision."


(mlb.com)

Chris Perez nailed down his fourth save of the season with a scoreless inning in Tuesday's win over the Athletics.

Perez allowed a one-out single to Yoenis Cespedes, but Cespedes was gunned out by Yan Gomes while trying to steal second base. Save chances have been few and far between for Perez, but he's had a fine year, posting a 0.82 ERA and 1.00 WHIP.


(rotoworld.com)

Cleveland Indians RP Chris Perez (thumb) said X-rays on his right thumb came back negative, and he'll be good to go Monday, April 29. Perez was hit by a comebacker Sunday, April 28.

Fantasy Tip: It probably wouldn't hurt to grab Vinnie Pestano, if you have the room, in case Perez suffers a setback or reinjures his thu


(kffl.com)

In his latest blog post, ESPN’s Buster Olney speculates as to a number of young players that could become part of the trade market. Among the names on the list are Philadelphia’s Chase Utley, New York’s John Buck, Chicago’s Matt Garza and Cleveland’s Chris Perez-

“Chris Perez | RHP, Cleveland Indians. He’s making $7.3 million this season, and the Indians were open to trading him during the winter but got little traction. The 27-year-old Perez is off to a good start, and it’s worth remembering that the trade market for relievers appears as if it’s going to be absolutely terrible — an extremely thin group.

Perez does have a lot of experience as a closer for a team looking to fill that spot (St. Louis, for example, knows Perez well, having drafted and developed him). Even if the Indians stay in the AL Central race, they might be open to moving Perez because they have Vinnie Pestano and because Cleveland would seem to be very unlikely to pay Perez the $10 million or so he could get next winter as an arbitration-eligible player.”

This is certainly not the first time we’ve heard rumors about Perez being available for trade. Our own Jon Steiner has advocated a Perez trade for some time, most recently here.

Generally speaking, it is way too early to know which teams will be sellers and which will be buyers at the deadline. If the Indians become buyers, perhaps Garza could be a target for the Indians to consider.


(yardbarker.com)

Chris Perez pitched a scoreless ninth inning Monday against the White Sox to convert his third save of the season.

Perez allowed a one-out single to Chris Perez and lucked out when a long Alexei Ramirez drive went about 10 feet foul, but he eventually got Ramirez to foul out and Tyler Flowers to ground out to end it. The bearded reliever blew a save earlier this month when he served up a solo homer to Jose Bautista, but it's the only run he's allowed in seven appearances this season.


(rotoworld.com)

Cleveland Indians RP Chris Perez nailed down the save in the team's regular season opener Tuesday, April 2, but he wasn't as fortunate Wednesday, April 3. He served up a game-tying solo home run to Toronto Blue Jays OF Jose Bautista to blow his first save of the season.

Fantasy Tip: Perez made just five appearances during the spring due to a strained right shoulder, and he was pitching on consecutive days for the first time since last season. Perez should be fine, and he isn't in any danger of losing his job. However, if you're really nervous, it isn't a bad idea to stash away Vinnie Pestano if you can afford the roster space, especially in rotisserie formats.


(kffl.com)

TORONTO -- Closers are trained to have a short memory. Whatever happened last night, last month or last season, turn the page and move on.

Indians closer Chris Perez made an exception on Opening Night.

Perez was summoned from the bullpen with the Tribe holding a 4-1 lead against the Blue Jays on Tuesday night. Opening Day starter Justin Masterson had given Cleveland a solid outing to help set up the save situation. On Opening Day against Toronto one year ago, Perez entered with a 4-1 lead following a gem from Masterson, blew the save and watched the Indians lose in 16 innings.

"I was definitely thinking about it," Perez said. "It was the same exact situation -- except the part of the order. It was 4-1 on Opening Day."

Perez opened the ninth inning on Tuesday by inducing back-to-back flyouts off the bats of Edwin Encarnacion and Adam Lind. After Toronto catcher J.P. Arencibia connected for a two-out double, Perez struck out Colby Rasmus to seal the win and collect the save.

In last April's Opening Day loss, Perez labored through 31 pitches. He was admittedly over-cautious after dealing with an oblique issue during Spring Training and gave up three runs on three hits with two walks in two-thirds of an inning.

What was the difference this time around?

"I just gave people my best stuff," Perez said. "I felt like last year I was a little tentative, trying to get that first strike, and they came out swinging last year. That kind of put me in a defensive mode. This year, I was able to pour in strike one and I felt good. Last year, I was a little -- not worried -- but questioning that injury.

"I didn't know if I was 100 percent game ready with adrenaline and all that stuff. This year, I knew I was ready. No worries."

Perez's drama-free ninth inning followed perfect innings from setup man Joe Smith and Vinnie Pestano in the seventh and eighth.

"That's what we do," Perez said. "That's how it lines up. Seven, eight, nine. Smitty, Vinnie and me. That's our formula going back to last year."


(mlb.com)

Chris Perez pitched a scoreless ninth inning on Tuesday in the Indians 4-1 win over the Blue Jays.
Perez dealt with shoulder issues this spring, so his availability and effectiveness Tuesday were both good signs for owners of the 27-year-old closer. Despite some questions about his place in the organization, the right-hander saved 39 games last season for the Tribe and was given the first opportunity of 2013. He seems to have a decent amount of job security at this point.


(rotoworld.com)

After allowing four runs in his last outing, Indians closer Chris Perez settled down and got back on track in Saturday's spring training finale against the Reds.

Perez entered the game in the sixth inning and gave up a leadoff single Tanner Rahier. But he retired the next three batters. The right-hander finished spring with a 7.20 ERA and a 1.80 WHIP in five appearances.


(cbssports.com)

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Chris Perez was in a good mood Tuesday afternoon. He was holding a Gatorade paper cup in his teeth, while catching baseballs dropped by fans from the right-field wall at Goodyear Ballpark.

Perez would catch the balls, autograph them and flip them back to the fans. It went on for about 10 minutes before he opened a door in the right field wall and disappeared. The Indians closer, appearing in his first Cactus League game since Feb. 26, pitched a scoreless seventh inning in a 7-6 loss to Oakland.

It was the latest indication that he'll be ready for the season opener Tuesday in Toronto.

"I felt normal," said Perez. "Now I'm just trying to get up to speed with my location. Velocity wise I felt normal.

"The big test will be going back-to-back during the season. Honestly, I feel better than I did at this time last year."

Perez made only three Cactus League appearances last spring because of a strained left oblique muscle.

"He looked good, really good," said manager Terry Francona. "He said he felt rusty, but it didn't look like it. That was the highlight of the day."


(cleveland.com)

The Indians closer, battling a shoulder strain, should be ready on Opening Day according to manager Terry Francona. Via MLB.com’s Barry M. Bloom:

Francona said that Perez can pitch every other day beginning Tuesday as Spring Training winds down, and then will throw a light ‘pen session on April 1, the day before the start of the regular season.

As far as him being ready to start the season on the active roster, Francona said:

“I think everything leans toward that as long as there are no setbacks, which I don’t think there will be. I think he’s looking pretty good.”
Perez himself thinks he’s ready as well:

“Great to get out there again. If the season started next week, I'd be ready. What's that? It does start next week? #Ready #BullpenMafia”

In 57.2 innings last year, the right-hander posted a 3.59 ERA with 39 saves in his third season as the team’s closer.

Chris Perez (shoulder) is scheduled to make an appearance in a minor league game on Saturday afternoon.

Perez has tossed a couple of problem-free bullpen sessions and told reporters earlier this week that his shoulder feels "100 percent." The Indians closer is fully expected to be ready for the start of the regular season.


(rotoworld.com)

On March 1, it was revealed Indians closer Chris Perez was shut down for "three to four weeks" with soreness in his pitching shoulder. Perez himself expressed optimism that he'd be back earlier than that and would be ready to go for the start of the season. And it looks like he was right.

Perez told reporters Monday he is "100 percent" and "should be ready for opening day, barring anything unforeseen." (via Paul Hoynes on Twitter)

Assuming Perez is recovered in time to be with his team on opening day, it would mark the second straight season in which Perez suffered a spring injury and then healed quicker than his ballclub expected him to.

Perez, 27, had 39 saves in 43 chances with a 3.59 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 59 strikeouts in 57 2/3 innings last season, making his second straight All-Star Game.


(cbssports.com)

Cleveland Indians RP Chris Perez (shoulder) is scheduled to throw off a mound on Saturday, March 16.

Fantasy Tip: This would represent progress in the right-hander's throwing program as he works his way back from this strain. He's aiming to be ready by opening day, but he'll be cutting it close, and that's assuming no setbacks. Vinnie Pestano could get a couple of save chances to start the year.


(kffl.com)

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Cleveland All-Star closer Chris Perez hopes to recover from a shoulder injury in time for the Indians' April 2 opener at Toronto.

Perez was diagnosed Friday with a strained muscle in his right shoulder, an injury that could sideline him for a month.

"The way it feels, just moving around, it gets better every day," Perez said Saturday.

Perez pitched an inning Tuesday during a 4-1 loss to Kansas City and felt pain in the shoulder Thursday. The right-hander said the injury is not as serious as the strain he suffered last spring to a muscle on his left side in his first bullpen session on Feb 23.

He made it back for the opener, when he allowed three runs in the ninth against Toronto in a game the Blue Jays won in 16 innings.

"I was more concerned last year," said Perez, a 2011 and 2012 All-Star who saved 39 games in 43 chances last season. "I think that if this was regular season, I could have managed it. But this is spring training. It's early. We're playing this a lot slower than we would if it was July and we were in the middle of the race."

Indians manager Terry Francona didn't want to set a timetable for Perez's return.

"Is it on Opening Day? We'll see," Francona said. "If he's a week late, he's a week late. That's the way it goes."

Perez, who has 98 saves during the last three seasons, is frustrated he had to withdraw from the U.S. team headed to the World Baseball Classic.

"The WBC is important. To this point, it's the biggest honor in my career," he said. "Yeah, it's disappointing, but it would have been a lot worse if I had pitched and then been out for three or four months."


(espn.com)

The San Francisco Giants and Philadelphia Phillies expressed interest in Cleveland Indians closer Chris Perez this offseason, according to Paul Hoynes of The Cleveland Plain Dealer.

Hoynes notes the Phillies were interested in Perez, while the Giants also "kicked the tires." Philadelphia ultimately ended up signing free agent Mike Adams, while San Francisco re-signed Jeremy Affeldt and reacquired Ramon Ramirez.

The Indians were reportedly willing to entertain offers for Perez considering his sizeable salary and outspoken criticism toward the team. Perez is set to make $7.3 million in 2013 and is under team control for two more years.

Perez understands that there are no guarantees as a reliever, even when you're an established major league closer. He told reporters he realizes relievers often don't receive the long-term contracts starting pitchers do. The right-hander termed bullpen arms as "easy commodities to trade," and he tries not to pay attention to the rumors in hopes of retaining his sanity.

Perez has already been dealt once in his career, as he came to Cleveland from the St. Louis Cardinals in the summer of 2009 in exchange for Mark DeRosa.
Since joining the Indians, Perez has compiled 98 saves over the past three seasons. He maintained an ERA of 3.59 last year, and the 27-year-old owns a career mark of 3.23 with a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 2.26 over five seasons in the majors.


(mlbdailydish.com)

Indians All-Star closer Chris Perez is promising not to run his mouth off the mound anymore.

Perez was embroiled in controversy most of last season, when he knocked Cleveland fans for not supporting the team, criticized ownership for not spending money and irritated some opposing teams with gestures on the field. Perez says he won’t be a distraction this season, and new Indians manager Terry Francona doesn’t expect any problems with the colorful right-hander, who had 39 saves last season.

Perez doesn’t regret much of what he said last year, but says he “should have controlled it better.” Perez says most of what he said was driven by wanting to win, and he’s certain the Indians will do more of that this season after spending $117 million on free agents.


(washingtonpost.com)

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Chris Perez, the Cleveland Indians' perpetually outspoken closer, made some pointed observations about former manager Manny Acta at the end of last season in October. It's now been four months since the Indians fired Acta and replaced him with Terry Francona, but the passage of time hasn't dulled Perez's ardor on the subject.

Perez said he wondered about his future with the organization after his name had appeared in numerous trade rumors. But his mind was eased after the Indians relieved Acta of his duties with six games to go, hired Francona as a replacement and spent $117 million in guaranteed money on free agents this offseason.

"I was wondering where we were going,'' Perez said. "Stuff wasn't getting better with Manny as our manager. I didn't see the light at the end of the tunnel. He's very stubborn and he doesn't really use input well, so I was getting frustrated. I thought, 'If we have the same guy next year, it's going to be the same stuff.'

"When Francona came on board, that kind of changed the mindset. To me, that signaled that I have a good chance of staying here. Then he came and sat down with me in Tampa [Fla.] and that cemented it even more. With the moves we made, we're not rebuilding. We're here to win this year.''


(espn.com)

The call came, but Chris Perez missed it.

The Holmes Beach native, IMG alum and Cleveland Indians closer was busy moving the day his cell phone rang and Joe Torre was waiting on the other end.

"I hope it's good news," Perez remembered thinking.

The owner of four World Series rings, Torre, as it turns out, isn't above leaving a voice mail.

And once Perez returned it, his fears melted away.

Torre, who will manage Team USA during next month's World Baseball Classic, was calling Perez to tell him he was on the team.

And unlike a large of swath of superstars, Perez didn't turn down the invitation.

He was the one he wanted it to begin with, as soon as the player's association began taking a preliminary head count toward the end of last season.

"I was like, 'Yes, I'd love to play,'" Perez said. "It's a great game, and we invented it."

It's understandable why some of the sport's biggest names have waved away Torre's request to play for Team USA, which will come together in early March at the Colorado Rockies' spring training complex in Salt River Flats, Ariz.

Spring training is all about easing into a routine; the World Baseball Classic is all about playing to win in mid-March. And while teams aren't permitted to prevent a player from participating in the WBC, it isn't always the easiest thing to go against the guy who signs your paycheck, especially when said paycheck could easily put a few dozen twins through college.

Perez, however, never thought twice about playing.

He wants to represent

his country, which hasn't made it past the semifinals during the first two WBCs.

"It's kind of a black eye," Perez said of Team USA's previous performances. "Also, it's an honor to be selected. It's what you've worked your whole life for. When I played in college, I wanted to be one of the best in college. When I played in the minors, I wanted to be one of the best in the minors. And now that I'm a major leaguer, I want to be one of the best in the majors. And this kind of validates that."

In preparation for playing competitive games rather than easy-as-Sunday-morning Cactus League contests, Perez began throwing a couple of weeks early in attempt to round into the guy who has produced 98 saves and two All-Star team selections during the past three years.

"I wanted to make sure I'm closer to midseason form, and I feel stronger because of it," Perez said. "I'm not concerned about wearing down later in the year. I hope I don't. But right now, I'm feeling fine."

He's ready to wear USA across his chest, ready to play for a manager likely to land in the hall of fame and ready to help the United States take back ownership of the game we proudly call our own.

It's big-time baseball in the middle of spring.

Perez is ecstatic to be a part of it.

Given how some of baseball's other guys have reacted to the WBC, that's good news, too.


(bradenton.com)

Chris Perez has avoided arbitration in his second-to-last season of eligibility, agreeing to a one-year, $7.3 million deal with the Indians.

Perez showed some signs of decline in 2011, including a career-worst strikeout rate of 5.9 per nine innings, but last season he whiffed 9.2 per nine innings while saving 36 games with a 3.59 ERA.

If the Indians struggle in 2013 he’ll likely be a prime trade candidate, as Perez will probably command more than $10 million via arbitration for 2014 and would then hit the free agent market at age 28. Vinnie Pestano is waiting in the wings to take over ninth-inning duties if needed, although for now at least Perez is obviously a big part of Cleveland’s plans.


(hardballtalk.com)

Chris Perez has committed to pitching for Team USA in the upcoming 2013 World Baseball Classic.

The 27-year-old reliever recorded 39 saves while posting a 3.59 ERA and 1.13 WHIP during the 2012 campaign. With Joe Nathan also expressing possible interest in playing for Team USA, it seems likely that Perez will be used in a setup role as opposed to the ninth inning.


(rotoworld.com)