Rafael Jerome Pérez (born May 15, 1982) is a Dominican former left-handed professional baseball relief pitcher.

[1] In 2003, he was named Appalachian League Pitcher of the Year playing for the Rookie-level Burlington Indians, going 9–3 with a 1.70 ERA in 13 games (12 starts).

[8] Pérez was initially slated for long relief, but after he demonstrated his ability to pitch in tight situations, he was inserted into a setup role alongside right-handed reliever Rafael Betancourt.

"[10] In the 2007 postseason, Pérez was excellent in the 2007 American League Division Series against the New York Yankees, going 1–0 with a 1.50 ERA in three games.

[7] However, in the 2007 American League Championship Series, Pérez faltered, posting a 45.00 ERA in three games, with eight runs (five earned) allowed in one inning.

[7] He led all Indians relievers in wins and tied for the team lead in appearances with fellow left-hander Tony Sipp.

[7] Pérez began the 2012 season 1–0 with a 3.52 ERA in eight relief appearances,[7] but was eventually placed on the disabled list on April 27 due to a strained side muscle.

[17] He was initially expected to miss up to six weeks,[17] but suffered several setbacks, and he eventually underwent surgery on his shoulder in September.

[2] Pérez signed a minor league deal with the Texas Rangers on January 18, 2014,[24] but only appeared in four games for the Triple-A Round Rock Express before he was released on April 17.

[25][26] He spent the next few months in the Mexican League with the Rojos del Águila de Veracruz, where he was 3–5 with a 3.92 ERA in 10 games (eight starts).