Red Sox News: Martín Pérez couldn’t feel his fingers during today’s start
Martín Pérez pushes Red Sox to victory despite poor weather
Today was one for the books as I don’t think anyone expected to tune into this afternoon’s Red Sox game and see a snowstorm. We saw the type of weather that usually accompanies late-season Patriots games and not the boys of summer. Martín Pérez was on the bump for Boston and even with some early inning trouble, he did exactly what the team needed him to in order to get another “W.”
Pérez finished the game with a strong 5.0 IP/4H/2R/3BB/2K day and though he didn’t get credit for the victory, he did his part. A line like that is why Chaim Bloom brought him back to the Red Sox as he has proven to be an anchor and constant in this starting rotation over the last year. It’s the second start in a row where Martín put in a hell of an effort but hasn’t been able to get the reward.
Those runs came in the first inning when the weather was the worst and it played a major factor in how the southpaw performed. When the day was done, Pérez spoke to the media and he let everyone know that he actually couldn’t feel his fingers during the first inning. Fortunately, the Twins couldn’t capitalize more while the lefty was in trouble and only moved two runners across home plate.
"“It was cold, man, I don’t feel my fingers in the first inning and I think I was too quick with my forearm,” Pérez said. “After that inning, I just came in and watched videos and trying to make adjustments, and then finally I get it. After that, I was just trying to go out there and throw strikes and throw my pitch and pitch my game.”"
It’s pretty impressive that he held his former club to just the pair of runs considering he couldn’t feel his throwing hand. Today was a wild departure from some of the temperatures we’ve seen lately in the northeast and it felt more like February rather than April. With the snow blowing on and off during the lunchtime clash the Red Sox still got the job done. Once again coming from behind, but thanks to a pair of homers and a pair of Bobby Dalbec doubles, Boston added another tally to the win column.
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It sucks that Martín hasn’t gotten a win on his record yet despite pitching his heart out in his two outings in 2021. However, I think if you asked him about the situation he’d just be happy that the team won and he was a factor in getting that result. The lefty has been a fan favorite since joining Boston ahead of last season and he’s more than reciprocated that love back to Red Sox Nation.
I think most were surprised that his option wasn’t instantly picked up at the end of 2020 but some crafty negotiating by Chaim Bloom got the lefty back for a much friendlier price. Every fifth-day fans get that little bit of extra pep in their step when they realize it’s Pérez Day. He may not bring home a Cy Young Award anytime soon but that’s not what he’s here to do. He’s a stabilizing force and a reliable arm that Alex Cora knows he can count on.
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Heart and determination is the name of the game with Martín and that’s the way his entire career has gone. Even with not being able to feel his fingers in the first inning today he didn’t let it phase him and he got right back out there to do his job. Hell, he even took off his undershirt and went with just his jersey, he’s a madman. When it comes down to it he had a job to do today and he did what was asked of him. The Red Sox added another game to their win streak and today wound up being one hell of a Pérez Day.