When the Mets made the deal at the deadline with Pittsburgh, Oliver Perez was viewed as a throw-in- a guy with potential who might be able to contribute a spot start down the stretch.
Now he might be on the mound with the Mets’ playoff hopes riding on his left arm. The injuries to Pedro Martinez and Orlando Hernandez caused the Mets to put Perez on the playoff roster as a potential starter.
Mets manager Willie Randolph said Perez could start either Game 3 or 4, but a final decision has not been made.
It is possible the Mets would bring back John Maine on short rest, but Perez seems to be the likely choice.
“He’s shown the ability to strike people out,” general manager Omar Minaya said.
“He’s always been one pitch away from getting out of a big inning. It happened in Philadelphia. At the end of the day right now, he’s the best available option. He’s the best available option we’ve got. It is what it is.
He’s the one who’s been on turn and we’ll give him the ball.” Perez went 1-3 with the Mets after coming over from the Pirates with Roberto Hernandez, who was the main part of that trade made because of injuries suffered by Duaner Sanchez in a taxi accident in Miami.
Perez was just an extra, but it turns out he could play a big role in October.
“There’s no deal that’s too minor,” Minaya said. “Like I said, maybe it’s my years of working in Montreal. You always work hard at figuring the smallest piece can be the biggest piece that can help you.” His teammates say they have faith if Perez takes the ball this weekend in Chavez Ravine. His last time out, he picked up the win in Washington.
“I think Oliver found some confidence in himself his last start,” outfielder Cliff Floyd said.