Martin Pérez Defies Injury Timetable, Eyes Second-Half Return

When Martin Pérez landed on the 60-day IL in April, many assumed his season was over. However, the 34-year-old left-hander is still pushing for a return to the mound this season. 

On Monday, MLB.com’s Scott Merkin reported that Pérez is set to face hitters at the end of the week and is targeting an injury rehab assignment on August 2nd. It is a remarkable turnaround for a player who was at risk of undergoing season-ending Tommy John surgery. 

Pérez was diagnosed with a left forearm strain after being removed from his fourth start of the season on April 18 at Fenway Park. Pérez only made it through three innings, leaving the game with left forearm inflammation after just 52 pitches. He allowed four runs on five hits with a pair of walks and no strikeouts in a 10-3 blowout loss. 

The White Sox later placed him on the 60-day IL. Under that initial timeline, ESPN’s Jesse Rogers reported that while the southpaw avoided Tommy John surgery, he likely wouldn’t start throwing again until September, adding that for all practical purposes, his year was over. 

Losing Pérez was a massive blow for the starting rotation. The former All-Star was signed to eat innings and be the veteran leader of a young pitching staff. But early in the season, the former World Series champion gave the White Sox more than they bargained for, quickly establishing himself as one of the team’s most effective hurlers. 

Through his first four starts, he posted a 1-1 record and 3.15 ERA. He also led White Sox pitchers in innings pitched (22.1), strikeouts (18), WHIP (1.25), and opponent batting average (.197), all without throwing a pitch over 90 mph.

In his absence, the White Sox signed Adrian Houser and traded for Aaron Civale to help stabilize the rotation. But with Houser likely to be traded at the deadline, Pérez's return could be a big boost for the White Sox rotation in the second half of the season. 

His determination to return to a non-contending team, despite his contract expiring at season’s end, speaks volumes about his work ethic and character.