We continue our look back at the 2008 Washington Nationals with a pitcher who spent his last year in the big leagues in D.C.
Since the beginning of this month, we have been looking back at the first Washington Nationals team to play their home games at Nats Park. For today, we take a look at starting pitcher Odalis Perez, who played one season with the Washington Nationals (2008).
Before coming to D.C, Perez pitched nine seasons with three different teams (Braves, Dodgers, and Royals). He was the third ranked prospect in the Braves system in 1999 (according to Baseball America). Three years later, he made his lone All-Star team with the Dodgers in a season in which he went 15-10 and threw 222.1 innings.
In 2007, Perez was in Kansas City and went 8-11 with a 5.57 ERA in 26 starts. Over his time with the Royals (2006 and 2007), the left-hander had a combined ERA of 5.59. After the ’07 season, the Nats were able to sign him to a minor league deal.
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Perez had the opportunity to pitch the first game at Nats Park against the Braves. He only threw 70 pitches, but he gave up one run over five innings (Chipper Jones solo home run in the fourth). He got the no-decision that night, but it would be a long time before he picked up his first win in D.C.
The first win of the season for Perez wouldn’t come until his ninth start of the year. On May 12, against the New York Mets, he gave up four runs on 11 hits over six innings, but the offense gave him enough run support for a 10-4 victory. A few weeks after that win, Perez had to go on the disabled list due to inflammation in his left shoulder.
During that season, the only two teams Perez beat multiple times were teams in the division (Braves and Mets). His best start of the year in terms of game score was against New York when he shut them out for seven innings in a 1-0 win on September 16 (game score was 76).
One start later, Perez did take the loss against the San Diego Padres, but he struck out 11 batters over six innings (a career-high). It was his only double-digit strikeout game of that season and just the fifth double-digit strikeout game of his career.
2008 was a rough season for Washington Nationals pitchers. They had four different starters give up 20 or more home runs and four starters lose double-digit games (Perez went 7-12 that season and gave up 22 home runs).
While Perez did sign back with the Washington Nationals in February 2009, he did not throw another pitch in the Major Leagues. In fact, he didn’t even show up to spring training, which was a bit surprising. Here is what Perez had to say at that time about the minor league deal he signed:
"“I thought it best and I prefer to sit in my house if the Nationals do not show more appreciation for my work,” Perez said from Santo Domingo “Appreciate my work means to increase the value of the contract and guarantee it. I will not accept any minor league contracts with no safeguards.” (h/t Enrique Rojas, ESPN Deportes)"
Next: 2017 Opening Day Roster Projection
Perez’s time with the Washington Nationals ended on a rocky note. However, he did some good moments during the 2008 season, including getting to pitch in the inaugural game at Nats Park.