Indians bring back LH Perez on one-year deal

The Cleveland Indians re-signed left-hander Oliver Perez on Friday to a one-year, $2.5 million contract, bringing back a reliever who posted a 1.39 ERA in 51 appearances in 2018 after he was brought aboard two months into the season. Perez, 37, also has a vesting option that reportedly would pay him $2.75 million in 2020 if he makes at least 55 appearances in the upcoming season and $3 million if he pitches at least 60 games.

The 16-year veteran helped the Indians wrap up the American League Central title with Cleveland advancing to the American League Division Series, where they were swept in three games by the Houston Astros. Perez's 2018 season did not start out so promising after he was released in spring training by the Cincinnati Reds and signed a minor-league deal with the New York Yankees. Without appearing in the major leagues, he opted out of his Yankees contract to sign with the Indians on June 1.

Perez allowed just one run in his first 22 appearances with the Indians, giving up that lone run to the Minnesota Twins on June 16 over 1 2/3 innings, his longest outing of the season. He didn't allow another run until July 22 against the Texas Rangers. Perez is 70-87 with a 4.39 ERA for eight different teams, pitching in 603 games (195 starts). A starter to begin his career, Perez has pitched exclusively in relief since 2012 with the Seattle Mariners, posting a 3.47 ERA in 397 appearances over that time.

--Field Level Media