Phoenix — Two months ago, Hernan Perez could barely get off the bench for the Detroit Tigers.
On Thursday, in the wake of the trade of Aramis Ramirezto the Pittsburgh Pirates, he became the primary third baseman for the Milwaukee Brewers.
"It's exciting," Perez said. "I'm happy for (Aramis) — he's going to a good team that's in the race. But the opportunity, God put me there and I'm going to do my best."
Perez was claimed by the Brewers off waivers from the Tigers on June 2. At 24 years of age, he was younger than the player he replaced on the roster, Elian Perez, and considered a better all-around player who could play third, second base and shortstop at a high level.