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Indians release closer Perez
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Cleveland Indians relief pitcher Chris Perez throws to first to hold Detroit Tigers pinch runner Hernan Perez in the ninth inning of a game in Cleveland. The Indians have released Perez and re-signed veteran slugger Jason Giambi. A two-time All-Star, Perez wore out his welcome in Cleveland. He lost his job in the final week of the season as the Indians were trying to clinch a wild-card berth.
Associated Press
CLEVELAND
The Indians closed out their relationship with Chris Perez.
The team released the colorful closer Thursday following a season in which he performed below his All-Star abilities, got arrested and surrendered his job in the final week as Cleveland tried to clinch a playoff spot.
Also, the Indians re-signed veteran slugger Jason Giambi, who provided leadership last season along with some clutch hits.
A two-time All-Star, Perez spent five seasons in Cleveland. And while he saved 124 games, Perez often was at the center of turmoil that overshadowed his pitching. He angered Indians fans last season for saying they didn’t support the team like they should, and he rankled Cleveland’s front office by criticizing trades and stating the Indians weren’t spending enough to win.
“We just finished out team meetings and made the determination that Chris was not a fit on our roster,” general manager Chris Antonetti said in announcing Perez’s release.
In June, Perez was arrested after drug agents followed a package containing marijuana to his home in Rocky River. He and his wife pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge. Perez, who was never shy about voicing his opinion on any subject, didn’t talk to the media for months before breaking his silence on the final day of the regular season in Minnesota when the Indians secured a wild-card berth.
Antonetti denied that Perez was a distraction.
“I think we were able to handle any issues,” Antonetti said. “In the end, we won 92 games with him serving as our closer for the majority of the season.”
Perez was eligible for salary arbitration this winter, and based on his statistics and was in line for a raise from his $7.3 million salary this year. But Perez’s struggles, along with his tempestuous past, resulted in the Indians cutting ties with him a day after the World Series ended.
In 54 games, Perez went 5-3 with a 4.33 ERA and 25 saves in 30 attempts. But he scuffled after Aug. 1 as his ERA ballooned to 7.52 ERA and he allowed six runs in his final two appearances.
“On balance, Chris was a very meaningful contributor to our teams over the last few years,” Antonetti said. “He had a tough stretch at the end of the season, but all players go through ups and downs. I think Chris will respond well and pitch well for his next team.”
With Perez gone, the Indians need a closer and will look to fill the spot internally with either Cody Allen or Bryan Shaw, two reliable relievers last year. Antonetti said the club could pursue a closer in free agency, but his preference is to use a pitcher on the roster.
Cleveland also acquired left-hander Colt Hynes from the Padres for cash considerations. The 28-year-old reliever spent the second half of last season with San Diego, posting a 9.00 ERA in 22 relief outings.