Perez Makes American Debut with Lynchburg

The Cincinnati Reds announced that Felix Perez will join the Lynchburg Hillcats. Perez has been playing with the Reds' Dominican Summer League affiliate since late May after signing a minor league contract earlier in the month. Perez made his Lynchburg debut June 26 against Kinston where he went 1-for-4 with a run scored.

Since then, Perez has played everyday center field for the Hillcats. He registered the first four-hit game of his career July 4 vs. Winston Salem.

Perez joined the organization May 17 for a $550,000 signing bonus.

He made his first appearance with the DSL Reds May 29. With the team, he hit .429 in 16 games with one home run and 14 RBI. His on-base percentage was .486.

"He's got all five tools," Bill Bavasi, Reds VP of Scouting, Player Development and International Operations said. "He's kind of a baseball rat. He loves to play. You can't underestimate this - he's been there a long time going to workout after workout. He'll play in any game you ask him to."

Perez, a 25-year-old Cuban defector, left his home country two years ago. He was originally set to sign for $3.5 million with the New York Yankees last year, but Major League Baseball suspended him for one year after falsifying age records.

Perez marks the second Cuban-born player the Reds have signed this year. Cincinnati inked 22-year-old Aroldis Chapman for a six year, $30.25 million contract in January. Chapman is currently 5-5 with a 4.12 ERA for Triple-A Louisville.