Mets LHP Perez wins in arbitration

Feb 22, 2008 - 6:32 PM PORT ST. LUCIE, Florida (Ticker) -- New York Mets lefthander Oliver Perez won his salary arbitration case Friday and will make $6.5 million this season.

Perez, 26, made just under $2.5 million last season, when he went 15-10 with a 3.56 ERA in 29 starts with the Mets. New York had offered Perez $4.725 million in the arbitration case.

A native of Culiacan, Mexico, Perez owns a career record of 45-53 with a 4.43 ERA in parts of six seasons with the Mets, Pittsburgh Pirates and San Diego Padres.

Perez enjoyed his finest season in 2004, when he went 12-10 with a 2.98 ERA and a career-high 239 strikeouts in just 196 innings with the Pirates.

Perez became the second player to win in arbitration this year, joining Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard. The 2006 National League MVP, Howard was awarded $10 million on Thursday - the largest amount ever given to a player who won his case.

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim closer Francisco Rodriguez lost his case Friday but also was given $10 million, tying the record set by Howard and Alfonso Soriano in 2006.

New York Yankees starter Chien-Ming Wang, Houston Astros closer Jose Valverde, Colorado Rockies reliever Brian Fuentes, Washington Nationals infielder Felipe Lopez and Astros infielder Mark Loretta also lost their cases this offseason.