PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) — Oliver Perez appears headed to the New York Mets bullpen, perhaps his last chance to stick with the team.
The left-hander allowed his first four batters to reach Tuesday against Houston, his final chance to show he deserves a spot in the starting rotation. In all, Perez gave up three runs, four hits and two walks in three innings.
Owed $12 million in the final season of his contract, Perez is 1-1 with a 9.00 ERA and five walks over seven innings in spring training. His fastball topped out at 88 mph.
General manager Sandy Alderson said a decision on whether to send him to the bullpen would be made later Wednesday.