PLAYING TIME: Pestano could get shot to close

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Oblique injury sidelines Perez, will Pestano take advantage?

A left oblique strain will sideline Indians closer Chris Perez (RHP, CLE) for at least the next 4-6 weeks, leaving his Opening Day status in question. It's no secret that, despite a 36-save season, Perez's peripherals dropped to alarming levels in 2011. He fanned just 39 batters in 60 IP—a pedestrian 5.9 Dom—and his xERA (4.73) suffered accordingly. He's been lucky in recent years (24% H% in both 2010 and 2011), but he'll no longer be able to skate by with such a middling Dom, especially with a FB% that has ballooned to 50%.  

An impressive spring training from heralded setup man Vinnie Pestano (RHP, CLE) may be all it takes to convince manager Manny Acta...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From PT Today

Boston swings a deal for a right-handed lineup stalwart; McNeil, O'Hearn, Refsnyder on the move, and more.
Dec 24 2025 9:30am
Shane Baz slots into the Baltimore rotation; the Rays, Pirates and Astros swing a three-way deal, a couple big signings in San Diego, and more.
Dec 22 2025 9:06am
Ha-Seong Kim's bet on himself pays off and he takes over SS for the Braves. Plus new homes for Adolis García, Adrian Houser, Josh Bell and more.
Dec 17 2025 8:44am
Kenley Jansen signs with the Tigers, as more closer dominoes fall in the free agent market. Plus updates on Texas catchers, Polanco and May free agent deals, and more.
Dec 15 2025 8:25am
Prized FA Pete Alonso signs, and both Baltimore and New York re-shuffle playing time expectations at first base. Plus relievers Mark Leiter Jr. and Robert Suarez find new bullpen homes.
Dec 12 2025 9:06am

Tools