Perez replaces Feldman in Rangers' rotation
The Texas Rangers are making a change to their rotation for the final 16 games of the season.
Rookie left-hander Martin Perez, who pitched 4 1/3 innings of no-hit relief Saturday, will start Friday against the Mariners at Seattle. He replaces the same man he relieved Saturday: right-hander Scott Feldman.
"He's been very aggressive," manager Ron Washington said of Perez. "He's been showing tremendous improvement. We're going to give him an opportunity."
Perez, 21, spent the majority of the season with Class AAA Round Rock. He has make three starts for the Rangers, compiling a 2.60 ERA in those games. Since allowing three runs in two-thirds of an inning in relief during his major league debut, Perez has posted a 2.20 ERA over 28 2/3 innings.
"I felt happy, because (starting) is what I know," said Perez, speaking through an interpreter. "They gave me a shot in the bullpen, and I did good. Now, I have to keep doing good."
Feldman allowed six runs in 2 2/3 innings against Seattle on Saturday night. In his last seven starts, Feldman is 0-5 with a 6.99 ERA. He is 6-11 with a 5.32 ERA overall as a starter. The Rangers are 7-13 in his starts and 80-46 in all other games.
"It's disappointing," said Feldman, who goes back to being a long reliever. "I had an opportunity to help the team. I was trying my best, but I had a bad game. It was a frustrating game. Hopefully, I can finish strong and help out in the bullpen."
The Rangers got good starting pitching Sunday, when Matt Harrison threw 8 2/3 innings of one-run ball in a 2-1 win over the Mariners.
