Roberto Pérez

Indians catcher Perez ready to make most of opportunity

Published Feb. 16, 2019 9:08 p.m. ET

GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — Roberto Perez waited for his turn and vows to make the most of his big chance.

Perez figures to get plenty of time behind the plate for the Cleveland Indians after the AL Central champions traded All-Star Yan Gomes to Washington.

The

Perez arrived in July

Although he hasn't hit much in his career, with a .205 batting average to go along with 21 home runs and ?99

"?Even if he doesn't hit like Gomes,

Francona's statement takes the pressure that Perez felt at the plate in spite of his two-homer performance in the

"Playing once a week is tough,

To improve his batting eye,

There is more of a burden on him to help the team offensively after ?Yonder Alonso was traded to the Chicago White Sox and ?Edwin Encarnacion was sent to the Seattle Mariners.

The Indians are trying to rebuild a bullpen that lost closer Cody Allen to the Angels and Andrew Miller to the Cardinals through free agency.

Perez will have to prepare reliever

Get more from Roberto Pérez Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more

in this topic

Roberto Pérez

Cleveland Guardians

Major League Baseball