Banister confident Perez can turn it around

ANAHEIM — This was Martin Perez, the Rangers’ No. 3 starter, once again struggling in a 7-4 loss to the Angels on Wednesday night.

The Rangers may make a trade for starting pitching before the Aug. 1 non-waiver Trade Deadline, but they are not going to be able to bring in three new starters to get this turned around.

“I don’t think we need to,” manager Jeff Banister said.

Which means Banister believes Perez is going to be fine even after allowing seven runs on 10 hits and three walks in six-plus innings.

“Yes I do,” Banister said.

The Angels scored four runs in the first inning, including a three-run home run by Jefry Marte. Perez is 0-3 with a 10.91 ERA in his last three starts.

“This is a guy, even after the first inning, goes out there and throws the ball well,” Banister said. “He’s got great stuff. The thing that he’s gotten away from is when you’re behind, you have to pitch to the fat part of the plate and that makes it easier.

“I think the kid is going to be fine. He has great stuff. If he can command the ball in the strike zone, he can be brilliant.”

Perez …

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