Martin Perez goes 2.2 IP in first rehab start

Martin Perez made his first rehab start today for Frisco, throwing 45 pitches (33 for strikes) in 2.2 IP against the San Antonio Missions today.

Perez was hitting 93-94 mph in his first inning of work, though the velocity dropped in his next two innings.  Perez gave up five hits -- three singles and two doubles (although one of the doubles was a fly ball to center field that observers said Nick Williams should have caught) -- while striking out four batters.

It is Perez's first official game action in exactly thirteen months -- his last outing was against Boston on May 10, 2014, when he gave up 6 runs in 3.2 IP.  He was diagnosed with elbow inflammation soon thereafter, and ended up undergoing Tommy John surgery.

The important thing will be how Perez reports he felt today, and feels tomorrow.  Perez is expected to take his full 30 days on this rehab assignment, and the important thing is that he is healthy and feels good while building back up to a starter's workload.

UPDATE -- Perez had good things to say afterwards:

Perez says he feels physically and mentally stronger after a year off from baseball.

— Ted Price (@tedprice) June 11, 2015

#Rangers LHP Martin Perez felt great after throwing 45 pitches in his first rehab outing since TJ. 2nd start Monday at Round Rock.

— Stefan Stevenson (@StevensonFWST) June 11, 2015