Cionel Pérez has been one of the most effective left-handed relievers over the last three years. Since arriving in Baltimore the native of Matanzas, Cuba has a 13-3 record, a 2.86 earned run average, 50 holds and six saves.
The “Roca of Camarioca” has been an experienced voice in helping Yennier Cano adjust to the major leagues, especially in a city that does not have a dense Latino population. The two hurlers have been a very effective one-two punch for the Orioles out of the bullpen.
Pérez in total has been in the majors for seven years and was a very herlded prospect since signing with the Astros for two million dollars in 2016 and debuted with the team from the lone-star state in 2018. Expect the southpaw to be a key piece for Baltimore in the playoffs.
Last year you had problems with the pitch clock. What have you done to adapt?
Last offseason I worked on throwing a little faster because I was one of the relievers in the Major Leagues who took the most time on the mound. Controlling my breathing was part of my pitch sequence, but now with the clock that has to be a little faster.
You’ve been one of the best left-handed relievers since you joined the Orioles. How much have you matured as a pitcher in Baltimore?
A lot. If you notice I’ve been a different pitcher since I came here in 2022 and played my first full season in the American League. All the trust that Baltimore gave me I have earned. Being here has helped me a lot to mature and adjust my pitches more than I did on other teams.
At the beginning of the season you were injured. How did that affect your performance?
Yeah, that was the first game I pitched that I pulled my oblique and it took me like 30 days to recover. It’s like starting from scratch because you spend two or three weeks without doing anything or throwing a ball. If you don’t rest well a healthy return is hard from this very complicated injury. Thank God I am now healthy and I am super happy with all the work we have been doing collectively as a team.
In the city of Baltimore there are not many Cubans or Latinos in general. How have Yennier Cano and yourself helped each other being from the same country?
Since he arrived I was already in the bullpen and we have always helped each other because as you say, it is a city without many Hispanics. There are few of us on the team and I spend a lot of time in the bullpen with him. We are like family.
How do you feel returning and pitching here in Miami, the city with the most Cubans in the entire United States?
I haven’t launched here yet. In fact, it is the first time I come to the stadium, but today to pitch today. I have more Cubans here than I have ever had in any Major League stadium. My friends and family are coming today, also yesterday, so I’ll feel like I’m launching in Cuba.