Dodgers 2014 Player Reviews: Chris Perez
Perez was coming off a 25-save season with the Cleveland Indians, despite struggling with a 4.33 ERA. Ned Colletti signed him to be a key piece in the later innings. Perez started the year strong by having nine scoreless appearances. It looked as if the signing would pay off, especially with Wilson struggling.
The good times would turn sour as Perez’s ERA soared as high as 5.68 before ending the year at 4.27. He struggled with his control, with a BB/9 of 4.9 and a WHIP of 1.360. By the end of the season, Perez was overtaken by Pedro Baez and others in a prominent role. He ended the year with 49 appearances and 46.1 innings, and was left off the postseason roster.
2014 Highlight
With a tired and struggling bullpen in Game 1 of a doubleheader, Perez came in to pitch with one out in the eighth of a game the Dodgers led 8-4. The right-hander was able to finish the eighth and returned for the ninth. A perfect ninth inning preserved the Dodger victory and gave Perez his only save of the season.
2015 Outlook
Perez signed a one-year deal last year and following his performance and exclusion from the playoff roster, it is unlikely that he returns. The 29-year-old could find himself with another team next season, or working for a spot in the spring depending on his suitors.
