Sergio

Perez

Perez, a 28-year-old reliever who has spent the last seven years with the Astros minor league affiliates, had a 4.54 ERA in 75 1/3 innings last year for Triple-A Oklahoma City. He was a second-round pick by Houston in 2006, but he’s failed to convert his potential into sustained success as a pro.

Perez, a former second-round pick of the Astros, spent the majority of the 2013 season in the Mexican League. The 29-year-old right-hander will serve as organizational relief depth in 2014 for Tampa Bay.

Perez is quickly making up for lost time after missing the first month with a groin injury. He has a 0.59 ERA in three starts in the Texas League. As little pitching depth as the Astros have, it’s possible he’ll debut in the majors at some point this year. Still, he probably wouldn’t have success right away.

Perez, a 2006 second-round pick, had been in extended spring training overcoming groin injury.

Perez, a second-round pick last year, is 2-2 with a 3.91 ERA this season.