MLB Debut - Rafael Perez

Perez is a hard throwing lefty who until this season had only half-a-season above A ball. The lanky Dominican has fairly ordinary K/IP ratios and only slightly better than average control. He throws a 94mph heater which has good movement and a plus slider. Perez has yet to develop his change of pace. All in all, he looks like a possible LOOGY candidate if he can stick in the Bigs.

Cleveland called up Perez early in the season, replacing RHP Matt Miller. The club was looking for a long man out of the bullpen and Perez fitted better than most other candidates in the system. That said, he had barely time for the proverbial cup of coffee, pitching an inning on 20 April against the Orioles, picking up two strikeouts.

Perez returned to the Akron Aeros in AA a few days later. He had a longer spell with Cleveland over June and July, pitching in 12 games, allowing 7 hits and 4 walks over 8.2 innings, with 10 strikeouts.

At Akron, Perez started 12 games and posted a 2.81 ERA and had a WHiP of 1.11. That contributed to his recall, but he found himself at AAA Buffalo in late July. With the Bisons, Perez has pitched in relief, throwing 15.2 innings with a WHiP of 1.15 and 21 Ks.

MLB
ESPN
The Baseball Cube (ignore the Pulaski line in 2005 and the 1998 and 1999 White Sox numbers - whole different Perez's)