Is Martin Perez Entering Final Days With Texas Rangers?

A demotion to the bullpen could mean the end for Martín Pérez in Arlington.

It was clear that one of the Texas Rangers' starters was subject to a demotion. In the end, Martín Pérez drew the shortest straw, meaning he'll have the shortest stints on the mound. 

Pérez's move to the bullpen could be the beginning of the end of his time in Arlington. No, he's not going away this season, as Texas (63-46) is likely to need as much help from its bullpen to claim the AL West. Rangers manager Bruce Bochy isn't ready to pull the plug on the 32-year-old's time as a starter permanently, either. 

“It doesn’t mean that’s where he’s going to stay,” Bochy said, “but for this time around, that’s the plan.”

Pérez, who signed a one-year, $4 million deal before the 2022 season, still has something left in the tank. Last season, he dazzled as one of the Rangers' best arms, posting a 2.89 ERA over 196 1/3 innings. His strikeout rate improved from 19.1 to 20.6 percent. 

Texas was wise to give Pérez a qualifying offer of $19.65 million this offseason to return. 

The buzz was there, but the production wasn't, especially of late. 

While the additions of three-time Cy Young award winner Max Scherzer and Jordan Montgomery played a role in the switch-up, Pérez's struggles were the ultimate straw. His ERA increased to 4.89, and to 8.50 in July. His last qualifying start came in late June. 

WHIP? Up. Strikeout-to-walk ratio? Down. Add in quality starts from Dane Dunning and Andrew Heaney, the writing was on the wall or who was being plucked. 

Pérez might not be alone in the 'pen once All-Star right-hander Nathan Eovaldi returns from his stint on the IL, but Bochy could elect to save arms by moving to a six-man rotation. Even then, Dunning, Heaney, or another pitcher would have to falter to make a promotion plausible. 

The reality is Pérez's clock is winding down in Arlington. Money doesn't just fall out the front office's pockets, and everyone can't be brought back for the fun times of 2023. 

Texas has Scherzer on the books after his opt-in for next season. The New York Mets are fronting over $35 million of the bill, but Texas will have to pick the tip — a cool $22.5 million over the next 18 months. 

The hope is that prized offseason acquisition Jacob deGrom will be good to go by August after successful Tommy John surgery this summer. Regardless, the Rangers are paying him $185 million through 2027. He also could opt in for the 2028 season, but no one knows his timeline after a string of injuries that's derailed his one surefire Hall of Fame-worthy career.  

Montgomery, who made his Texas debut Friday in a 6-2 win over the Miami Marlins, is entering free agency. Say he's the missing link to Texas' rotation? What happens if his commanding fastball sends batters packing as Texas pushes closer toward the Fall Classic?

Would the two sides be interested in a reunion for the right price? 

Pérez, who has a career 4.57 ERA in 45.1 innings pitched out of the bullpen, is caught between a homecoming and a move-out. He carries the starter mentality but plays to the tune of reliever duty. 

There are countless moments in the game's history was a loyal name never reaps the benefits of the final product. Memories where those who went through the trialing times were left to the wayside when the going got good. 

Pérez was pushed out of the rotation for what could be the remainder of 2023. He could be pushed out of the Lone Star State when free agency rolls around this winter. 

This time, however, expect a goodbye, not an until next time. 

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