Rafael Perez, Former Indians Reliever, Signs With Seattle

The Seattle Mariners will hope former Cleveland Indians reliever Rafael Perez can fill their LOOGY role, as Seattle signed Perez, 32, to a minor-league deal with an invitation to spring training.

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Perez was one of the most reliable relievers for former managers Eric Wedge and Manny Acta, and combined with former Indians reliever

Rafael Betancourt

to form a devastating left-right bullpen combo which helped the Indians win the AL Central in 2007.

Perez appeared in at least 70 games during the 2008, 2010 and 2011 seasons, and appeared in 54 games in 2009. He last appeared in the Major Leagues with Cleveland in early 2012, making eight appearances in 7.2 innings pitched.

After he parted ways with the Indians at the end of the 2012 season, Perez bounced around the league, spending 2013 with the Minnesota Twins and Boston Red Sox farm systems, and in 2014 he split time between the Texas Rangers and Pittsburgh Pirates organizations.

Bob Dutton of The News Tribune reports that Perez will be in the mix to be the Mariners’ second lefty in the bullpen. Dutton said Charlie Furbush appears to have a spot locked down, so Perez will be in the mix with Lucas Luetge, Edgar Olmos and David Rollins for the second lefty spot. Perez would have to be added to Seattle’s 40-man roster if he does indeed make the team.

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