According to Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Cleveland Indians closer Chris Perez will not pitch in cactus league games for three or four weeks due to soreness in his right shoulder. Earlier in the day Perez was scratched from pitching against the Chicago White Sox, and left the team’s facilities without speaking to reporters saying only, “I’m not saying anything.”’
Perez was scheduled to pitch for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic. The injury could sideline him for opening day on April 2 against the Toronto Blue Jays. Perez will not be allowed to throw for the next week or 10 days. Perez has saved 98 games in the past three seasons for Cleveland. Vinnie Pestano will likely take over closer responsibilities while Perez is out.
