GOODYEAR, Arizona – It wasn’t a transaction that made many headlines in January, but it was one that could have a big impact for the Cincinnati Reds during the upcoming season.
The Reds acquired left-handed pitcher Cionel Pérez in a trade with the Houston Astros in exchange for minor-league catcher Luke Berryhill. Pérez has only 20 relief appearances and 26 2/3 innings pitched to his name, but he’s been one of the standouts at Reds camp this spring.
It’s easy to see why the Reds were drawn to him. He’s been sitting 95-97 mph with his fastball in his last three outings, a pitch that drew five swings-and-misses when he faced three Los Angeles Dodgers minor league hitters in one spring training game.