WTM’S PIRATE PLAYER PROFILES

2009
DSL:  3-3-0, 3.69 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 46.1 IP, 1.9 BB/9, 6.8 K/9

Perez had a good debut, walking very few and posting a respectable K rate for such a young pitcher.

2010
DSL:  2-1-1, 4.56 ERA, 1.48 WHIP, 25.2 IP, 2.5 BB/9, 4.6 K/9

In his second year Perez didn’t pitch as well, with all of his numbers going backwards.  In both of his first two seasons, he pitched mainly in relief.

2011
DSL:   3-2-0, 2.12 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 68.0 IP, 2.0 BB/9, 4.1 K/9

As one of his team’s primary starters, Perez pitched much better except for a very low K rate.

2012
A-:  1-3-1, 5.94 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, 33.1 IP, 2.7 BB/9, 6.2 K/9
A:  1-1-2, 5.84 ERA, 1.54 WHIP, 24.2 IP, 5.1 BB/9, 6.9 K/9 

Perez was expected to be in the GCL in 2012, but he didn’t make it to training camp due to visa issues.  The visa eventually got resolved and he was sent to West Virginia in mid-May.  He pitched in relief and struggled, mainly due to control problems.  In late July, the Pirates sent Perez down to State College and he made four starts and five relief appearances.  He cut his walk rate in half, but opposing hitters batted .299 against him.

Perez is still only 20 and has pitched only 58 innings in US pro ball while skipping rookie ball, so it’s possible he could turn things around now that he’s had a little time to get acclimated.  The Pirates will probably try him again in the South Atlantic League and/or the New York-Penn League in 2013.