Rangers phenom Martin Perez has quietly made his case for American League Rookie of the Year this season as he took the mound Tuesday at home against Pittsburgh. He wasn't very sharp on this night.

Perez took the loss to fall to 9-4 on the season as he gave up four earned runs on nine hits and two walks over just five innings. He threw 73 pitches and struck out two batters. His ERA is at 3.60 on the year.

Perez, who entered the start Tuesday winning six straight outings, had that streak snapped against the Pirates. He should be able to rebound going forward and makes his next start Sunday against Oakland.