Detroit Tigers' Wenceel Pérez Returns from Injured List with Confidence to Switch-Hit
Pérez Missed 10 Games with a Right Intercostal Strain
After missing 10 games with a right intercostal strain, Detroit Tigers' Wenceel Pérez has been activated from the 10-day injured list. The 26-year-old right-hander is expected to start against the Chicago Cubs on Friday. Pérez was 2-1 with a 3.15 ERA in three starts before landing on the IL. He is confident that he can return to his previous form and help the Tigers climb up the standings.
"I feel good," Pérez said through a translator. "I'm ready to go. I'm excited to be back with the team and helping us win games." Pérez will take the mound against a tough Cubs lineup that features Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, and Javier Báez. It will be a big test for Pérez, but he is confident that he can succeed. "I know they have a good lineup, but I'm not going to let that intimidate me," Pérez said. "I'm just going to go out there and pitch my game. I'm going to try to throw strikes and keep them off balance."
Pérez is a Key Part of the Tigers' Rotation
Pérez signed a one-year, $1.4 million contract with the Tigers in the offseason. He was expected to be a key part of the team's rotation, and he has not disappointed. In his three starts before landing on the IL, Pérez allowed just four earned runs in 14.1 innings. He also struck out 14 batters and walked just two. Pérez's return is a boost for the Tigers, who have struggled with injuries to their starting rotation this season. Spencer Turnbull, Casey Mize, and Matthew Boyd have all missed time with injuries. Pérez's return will help to stabilize the rotation and give the Tigers a much-needed boost.
Pérez is Confident He Can Switch-Hit Successfully
Pérez is also confident that he can be a successful switch-hitter. He has been working with hitting coach Lloyd McClendon on his swing from the left side. Pérez believes that being able to switch-hit will give him an advantage at the plate. "It's going to be a weapon for me," Pérez said. "I'm going to be able to see the ball better and I'm going to be able to hit it harder." Pérez is expected to bat in the middle of the Tigers' lineup. He could be a valuable asset to the team if he can be productive from both sides of the plate.
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