D-backs looking to ease up on Perez this season
Reliever felt tired toward end of 2014 with career-high 68 games
PHOENIX -- D-backs reliever Oliver Perez likely will not be asked to carry as heavy a workload this year after appearing in a career-high 68 games last year.
"We felt like he threw maybe too much last year and just back him off and just face certain hitters and maybe an inning," D-backs manager Chip Hale said. "That's the max for him."
Perez had a 2.06 ERA in 39 games during the first half last year, and his ERA went up to 4.18 in 29 games over the second half.
In September, his ERA ballooned all the way up to 10.29.
"I guess at the end I felt tired, but that's why I took the offseason off," Perez said. "I didn't play winter ball because I'm not 21 anymore, so I have to take care of myself. I rested until December. I feel good right now, and maybe shorter would be better this year. I'll be ready every time like always."