News: Perez has ‘Knee’ Injury, in Bullpen
‘Oliver Perez is in the bullpen until further notice,’ writes David Lennon in a report for Newsday.
Manuel, who met with Dan Warthen and Randy Niemann and talked with Omar Minaya by phone yesterday, told reporters the team has yet to make an official decision, though they will likely make an announcement during the team’s trip in Atlanta.
…from what i can gather, if he’s pitching from the bullpen, the announcement will come sooner than later, maybe even monday… if he’s going on the disabled list, the team will likely wait until later in the week…
However, suddenly, Perez had an ice pack on his knee Sunday morning in Citizen’s Bank Park, during which he told reporters, according to Lennon: “The knee has been bothering me all season… This is my first time pitching with something that bothers me. That’s not easy.”
…well, isn’t that convenient…
In the New York Times, Ben Shpigel writes:
“Just as he was about to address his murky future, Perez was intercepted by Jay Horwitz, the team’s vice president for media relations, who spoke with him in the trainer’s room for about 10 minutes… When he came out, Perez said that his knee had been bothering him all season. Asked which knee, he paused and looked down. The right one, he said.”
Following Saturday’s loss, Perez said he would consider a trip to the minor leagues.
However, prior to yesterday’s rainout, Perez said he now can’t say whether or not he will accept a minor league assignment.
…i bet one of the following two scenarios shake out: 1) perez is sent to the bullpen, and Ken Takahashi starts on Friday against the Phillies, or 2) perez is put on the disabled list, and the Mets call up one of Nelson Figueroa or Dillon Gee, or Tim Redding, depending on how he does in his rehab start on Tuesday…
By the way, due to yesterday’s rainout, the Mets pushed back their rotation, meaning Johan Santana will pitch Thursday on six-days rest, while Perez’s spot in the rotation will be Friday.
