ARLINGTON -- Left-hander Martin Pérez picked up a Rangers single-season record, along with his first win since June 26, in a 5-2 victory over the A's on Monday night at Globe Life Park.
Perez induced his 32nd ground-ball double play of the year in the fourth inning, breaking the club record set by C.J. Wilson in 2011. The last player in the Majors to induce as many ground-ball double plays in a season was Astros left-hander Dallas Keuchel in 2014 (36).
"I feel happy about that," Perez said on setting the record. "I just want to stay on top of the ball every time and give my infielders a chance to turn double plays."
Catcher Jonathan Lucroy and Perez credited extra use of the changeup as the main reason for the lefty being able to go seven innings, allowing two runs (one earned) on five hits with six strikeouts.
"The changeup is an equalizer, it makes everything else look better. You can't just go up there and look for one or two pitches," Lucroy said. "Then you're in trouble if they're able to start throwing the changeup late in the count."
"That's my best pitch," Perez said. "When you face a team like Oakland that's aggressive, you have to use your best pitch, and that's what I did. I was able to use my changeup in any count."
Things looked bleak for Perez after giving up a run in each of the first two innings using 41 pitches. He was able to bounce back and give up just two singles from that point, retiring 16 of the last 19 batters faced. He now has quality starts in 17 of his last 18 outings at Globe Life Park.
"He has that big, hard sinker. With the power changeup, he has is a special mix," Lucroy said. "He's able to throw his curveball for strikes. Whenever he's throwing strikes and ahead in the count, it's going to be tough to score runs off him."
Worth noting
Left-hander Derek Holland, on the disabled list with shoulder inflammation, went five innings for Triple-A Round Rock on Monday night and threw 75 pitches against Salt Lake. He threw another 15 pitches in the bullpen when he was done.
Holland allowed four runs, including a three-run home run to Todd Cunningham in the first, on five hits, two walks and four strikeouts. He will rejoin the Rangers on Tuesday, throw a bullpen session later in the week, and then a decision will be made on his next step. He could rejoin the Rangers' rotation or make a fourth rehab start.