Indians Release Closer Chris Perez
Published at(CLEVELAND) — After five seasons with the team, the Cleveland Indians have decided to release closer Chris Perez.
“We just finished our team meetings and made the determination that Chris was not a fit on our roster,” Indians general manager Chris Antonetti said in a statement.
Perez was a two-time All-Star with the team, but he had a troubling 2013 season with the Indians. On the field, Perez pitched below the standards the team was used to seeing. Even though he saved 25 games, he had a career-high 4.33 ERA and also blew a career-high five saves in 54 appearances.
As far as off the field, Perez was arrested after drug agents discovered a package containing marijuana was sent to his home in Rocky River, Ohio. He and his wife pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge.
Perez was eligible for arbitration, and was likely due for a raise on his $47.3 million salary. The team was unwilling to make that commitment.
Overall, Perez saved 124 games during his time in Cleveland.
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