Mets could unload Perez on Monday
Mets pitcher Oliver Perez wipes his face after giving up a home run during a spring training game against Washington on Saturday. (Mar. 19, 2011) Credit: AP
JUPITER, Fla. -- The Oliver Perez era could come to an end Monday.
Mets manager Terry Collins, general manager Sandy Alderson and Perez will meet Monday morning to discuss what's next for Perez, Collins said Sunday.
Entering the last year of a three-year, $36-million contract, Perez failed to make the rotation earlier in spring training and subsequently has tried to make the team as a lefthanded specialist. But that hasn't gone well, either.
In Perez's most recent outing, he came in with two on and none out and gave up home runs to the first two Nationals batters he faced. He also issued a four-pitch walk to the only lefthanded hitter he faced.
Collins said he's spoken to Alderson by phone since Perez's outing Saturday but that they have not had a chance to meet to discuss what's next for Perez. That meeting will happen Monday morning, Collins said, with Perez involved.
After working out at Digital Domain Park Sunday, Perez said he was scheduled to throw a bullpen session Tuesday. He is not scheduled to appear in any more games and said he'll be on call in the bullpen.
Perez, who has an 8.38 ERA in 9 2/3 innings, will receive $12 million this year.
Extra bases
Mike O'Connor, who also is vying to make the club as a lefthanded reliever, gave up three runs, four hits and a walk and recorded only one out in the Mets' 5-0 loss to the Marlins Sunday.
Tim Byrdak has been the most impressive lefthanded reliever in camp, throwing 61/3 scoreless innings.
When Collins was asked if he wants two lefthanded relievers on his roster, he said, "I want to keep guys that get people out. If you have a lefthander that don't get outs, he can't help you."
Chris Young threw six scoreless innings, lowering his Grapefruit League ERA to 1.33. In 201/3 innings, he's given up 15 hits and walked three.
