One poor spring training start should not matter that much. Oliver Perez, however, needs to show he changed:

In allowing four earned runs in two innings, while striking out three, walking three and throwing just 25 of 44 pitches for strikes, Perez did not appear ready to contribute to a major league team. Technically, he will have about two more weeks to prove he can do so as a starter, as Warthen, the pitching coach, expects to eliminate rotation candidates around March 10. It is difficult, though, to imagine Perez as a legitimate contender. The team could send him to the bullpen, or release him. The Mets could also try to send him to the minors, but due to the collective bargaining agreement, he can refuse the assignment, as he did last season. Regardless, Perez still is owed $12 million for the last year of his contract.

His fastball topped out at 86. It would take quite an optimist to see something positive in that start, especially when his career is hanging by a thread.