Red Sox Sign Rafael Perez For Injury Insurance

The Red Sox’ abundance of injuries has resulted in the first roster move of the 2013 season. The signing of Rafael Perez doesn’t look like much of a signing right now, but if he can come close to the pitcher that nailed down eight innings in Cleveland a few years ago, it’s a great move. The problem is that he doesn’t look close to that form as he was released by the Twins earlier this week because it didn’t appear that an MLB roster spot was likely for the veteran lefty. Still, relief pitchers are volatile enough that it was worth looking into Perez as an option.

Apr 11, 2012; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians relief pitcher Rafael Perez (53) delivers in the sixth inning against the Chicago White Sox at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

He won’t be called upon in the majors anytime soon. However, if there are some more injuries and Perez rounds into form nicely, he may be at some point this year. This season he has pitched to a 2.25 ERA in just 4 appearances for Triple-A Rochester. In 8 games for the Indians last season, he pitched fairly well with a 3.52 ERA in 8 games.

However, the Red Sox may be breaking Perez out of his comfort zone. They have announced that they are going to experiment with him starting down at Double-A Portland. With any luck, Rafael Perez won’t be starting games in Boston. However, at the rate injuries have been happening this year, anything is possible and Perez is far from a bad pitcher and is still just 30 years old.