Martin Pérez of the Texas Rangers shined during an incredible performance against one of the best international lineups ever assembled in baseball history in the Dominican Republic.
Texas Rangers starting pitcher Martin Pérez was impressive on Saturday night when he took the mound for Team Venezuela in their first game of group stage in the World Baseball Classic.
It was an incredible test as he was facing the Dominican Republic lineup which has fielded arguably one of the most talented lineups in international baseball history.
The left-hander pitched 3 1/3 innings and allowed just one earned run against the vaunted lineup. His offspeed stuff looked crisp and his fastball had plenty of life. He almost looked to be in midseason form.
In the third inning Pérez was faced with a bases-loaded situation. He pitched fearless and induced a ground ball from Juan Soto for the third and final out, avoiding any damage.
Pérez is being counted on by the Rangers to be a key component to a rebuilt pitching staff led by two-time Cy Young winner Jacob deGrom.
The front office has to feel good about the prospects of the the projected rotation, especially considering where deGrom and Pérez are this spring.
Pérez, easily the staff ace last season, has looked solid with the Rangers in spring games before turning in a stellar performance in the WBC opener.
After dealing with a minor physical setback to open camp, deGrom is set to make his first start of the spring Monday against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
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