Martín Pérez hasn’t kept it a secret that he would play with Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic during spring training. On Thursday we found out who his teammates would be.
MLB Venezuela released the roster on Twitter, highlighted by a constellation of stars led by Houston Astros infielder José Altuve.
Also on the roster is reigning American League batting champion Luis Arráez, who was recently traded to Miami, and Atlanta’s Ronald Acuña Jr., who helped that franchise to the 2021 World Series title.
Pérez will be part of a 14-player pitching staff for Venezuela.
Because Pérez is playing in the WBC, he will be allowed to report to Spring Training in Surprise a couple of days earlier than the rest of the Rangers, who will report on Feb. 15. He told reporters last month that he will leave for Miami, where Venezuela will play its pool action, in early March.
Last season Pérez went 12-8 with a 2.89 ERA in 32 starts. He earned his first All-Star Game appearance and had one of the best months of May in Rangers and baseball history, which ultimately led to American League Pitcher of the Month honors.
Pérez is only on a one-year deal and can hit free agency again after this season. He wanted to work out a long-term deal with Texas, and the Rangers signaled willingness as well. But the only other team that expressed interest was the Los Angeles Angels. Ultimately, Pérez chose to return to Texas.
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