OAKLAND, Calif. — Martin Perez’s time with the Texas Rangers was short, but impressive.

The Rangers optioned the 21-year-old left-hander to Triple-A Round Rock on Wednesday to make room for Colby Lewis, who was activated to start the game against the Oakland A’s.


“I think he gave us more than we expected,” manager Ron Washington said. “I didn’t know what to expect because he wasn’t really lighting it up at Triple-A. He came up and made adjustments and pitched well for us. He’s one of those kids we won’t hesitate to go to if there’s a need.”

Perez had a 5.54 ERA in four games, but that was inflated by one poor relief outing in his debut. He only gave up four earned runs in 12 1/3 innings in his
other three outings, two starts.

Although Perez held his own, it was an obvious move to send him back to Triple-A when Lewis was ready to return to the rotation.

“He’s a young kid that doesn’t need to be sitting up here,” Washington said. “He needs to be pitching.”

One of the top prospects in the Rangers system, Perez returns to Triple-A, where he had a 4.59 ERA in 15 starts before he was promoted. Washington seemed to believe Perez would be better for his experience in the majors.

“If he does what we think he can do, he can dominate,” Washington said. “It’s up to him, and whatever focus he decided to put forth. The fact that he got some time up here, we’re certainly looking for good things. We’ll be totally disappointed if he doesn’t do well.”

Notes

* RHP Mark Lowe, who has been out for three weeks with a strained muscle in his
rib cage, has continued throwing and expects to throw a bullpen this weekend in Anaheim. “My arm feels great,” Lowe said. “It feels like I never took any time off.” Lowe could be ready in another week.

* Brandon Snyder gets a rare start at first base Wednesday. It's only his
second start in a month. “He’s done a good job under the circumstances where we have regulars who play every day and the extras don’t get much of a chance,” Washington said. “I had a talk with him to not try to do too much to impress us. He’s impressive already if he’s on this team.”

* Backup shortstop Alberto Gonzalez has just six at-bats since June 1. Upon
hearing that, Washington said, “He may have just six at-bats on Aug. 1.” Washington said he will find a place to start Gonzalez in place of Elvis Andrus sometime on the Rangers’ upcoming string of 20 games without an off day.

* A's outfielder Josh Reddick, who was not very complimentary of Roy Oswalt with his postgame comments Tuesday night, backtracked via his Twitter account Wednesday. "To (those) who read my postgame comments yesterday. I wasn't bad mouthing Roy Oswalt. So please don't take it the wrong way. All I meant was we missed a lot of good pitches in good situations is all. Obviously Roy is a great pitcher and has been for years. My apologies."

* Yorvit Torrealba's wife gave birth to a girl Tuesday. The Rangers catcher is expected to be activated from the paternity list Friday in Anaheim.