H. Perez outrighted, becomes free agent
MILWAUKEE -- The Brewers cleared another spot on their 40-man roster Friday by sending infielder Hernan Perez outright to Triple-A Colorado Springs. Rather than accept, Perez exercised his right to free agency.
The move left 35 players on Milwaukee's 40-man roster.
The 24-year-old Perez was one of the first players the Brewers took a flier on in 2015 by virtue of their poor record, and thus high placement in the waiver order. A former top prospect of the Tigers, Perez appeared in 90 games but neither hit for power (one home run, .365 slugging percentage), nor reached base (four walks in 238 plate appearances, .281 on-base percentage). He finished with a .270 batting average.
Perez was, however, a versatile defensive player, and he would have competed for a bench spot next season had he remained. The Brewers have similar players on the 40-man roster with better offensive potential, including Yadiel Rivera, 23, and switch-hitter Luis Sardinas, 22.
In a separate transaction, the Brewers recently finalized an agreement to bring back right-hander Jaye Chapman on a Minor League contract. It included an invitation to the team's Minor League minicamp, but not to Major League Spring Training camp.
Chapman, 28, pitched briefly in the Majors for the Cubs in 2012. He split the 2015 season between Double-A Biloxi and Colorado Springs, compiling a 2.37 ERA and 17 saves in 59 games.