With delivery where he wants it, Perez looks to keep rolling

Left-hander Martin Perez has won five consecutive starts for the Texas Rangers, one short of the career-best streak he established last season. He will attempt to match that Sunday against the Los Angeles Angels.

The sudden surge has been the result of finding some rhythm in his delivery and pitching with tempo. His delivery looks less rigid and is filled with the same kind of movements that he had during his best seasons in the minors. He’s not planning to change a thing.

“Before I just tried to do too many different things with my delivery,” Perez said. “I think right now I’ve been working with my pitching coach, and we find a way. I’m trying to move my hands and pitch like I did before when I was in Double A, High A. That worked for me, and I want to stay there.””

Perez has a 2.91 ERA during the streak, dropping season figure from 5.46 to 4.89. He beat the Angels on Aug. 24 at Angel Stadium, scattering seven hits in seven scoreless innings.

The Angels’ lineup has a different look, with the addition of right-handed hitters Justin Upton and Brandon Phillips. Righties are batting .311 with a .481 slugging percentage this season against Perez.

“Every game I just attack hitters and throw first-pitch strikes and don’t give too much credit to hitters,” Perez said. “When you throw strikes, you can do good things.”　　　

This story was originally published September 2, 2017 at 6:28 PM with the headline "With delivery where he wants it, Perez looks to keep rolling."