If you're a Martin Perez owner or thinking of being one, watch Travis Blackley's start against the Twins on Sunday closely. According to the Dallas Morning News, Rangers manager Ron Washington recently told ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM, "each time (Blackley's) spot comes up, we’ll make a decision." If Blackley stumbles on Sunday, with a day off on Sept. 5, the Rangers could skip him in the rotation next week, giving Perez an opportunity to make two starts.
Though Perez is getting more swinging strikes this season, his strikeout rate (5.9 K/9) is still mediocre, which leaves him as a borderline standard mixed league option at best in one-start weeks. Should he get starts at both the A's and Angels next week, Perez would probably collect enough strikeouts to be relevant. At those pitcher-friendly parks, he also stands a better chance of avoiding extra-base hits and lowering his 3.58 ERA.
Before you set your lineups for Fantasy Week 23 (Aug. 2-8), check in on Blackley, as a difficult weekend outing for him could mean a productive week ahead for Perez.