Chris

Perez

Perez doesn’t necessarily project as a closer at the major league level, but he should be a setup man and he could help out in a hurry. He’s a candidate to be the first player from the 2006 draft to reach the majors.

Perez seems to be progressing well, but he might be overly optimistic given that a 4-6 week timetable for his recovery was set at the beginning of this week. The closer is confident he’ll be ready for the start of the season, and the Indians aren’t ruling it out, but it’s still early in the recovery process.

He also mixed in a walk and a hit, but you get the idea. In line to be the Indians’ stopper if Perez (oblique) isn’t ready for Opening Day, Pestano has started off his spring with four scoreless frames, fanning five in the process.

Perez was able to feature both his fastball and slider, and reported no issues with his left oblique. The 26-year-old closer should be cleared to make his Cactus League debut Friday and has ample time to get properly geared up by Opening Day.

Perez is ahead of schedule after suffering a strained left oblique early in Indians’ camp. Barring any setbacks Wednesday, he should make his Cactus League debut Friday. The Indians hope to get him six or seven appearances before the start of the season, so he may end up getting some work in on the minor league side.

Perez surrendered a run on a couple of hits in this one, but got Jeff Francoeur to ground into a fielder’s choice to end the game. He’s now saved seven straight after his blow up on Opening Day, and appears safe in the closer’s role for the time being.

Head trainer Lonnie Soloff is expected to talk to the media later Sunday, so we should be able to get a better handle on Perez’s condition then. The 26-year-old closer posted a 3.32 ERA and 1.21 WHIP in 59 2/3 innings last season while converting 36-of-40 save opportunities for the Tribe.

Indians head trainer Lonnie Soloff said Perez has not been ruled out for Opening Day at this point and he hopes the closer can pitch in games by the end of spring training. But, it seems likely that he’ll probably begin the season on the disabled list. Those that take Perez in fantasy drafts would be wise to also pick up Vinnie Pestano, who figures to pitch the ninth inning early in the year if the 2011 All-Star isn’t ready. It’s also possible Tony Sipp and/or Rafael Perez would get some chances if manager Manny Acta decides to play the matchups.

Since he’s been given a 4-6 week timetable, the closer is being optimistic here. Perez injured his left oblique during a bullpen session when he went full-out a little too soon rather than easing himself into things. The smart money would probably be on him starting the season on the DL, with Vinnie Pestano the likeliest candidate to handle the ninth inning work.

Perez’s (oblique) goal is to return by March 15 and be healthy for Opening Day. He was given a 4-6 week timetable, however, so it’s reasonable to pessimistic about his optimism. We think Perez will likely start the season on the shelf, meaning Pestano will see save opportunities and hold mixed league value until the incumbent returns. Pestano, 27, posted a 2.32 ERA and 84/24 K/BB rate over 62 innings during his rookie campaign in 2011. Keep an eye on Perez’s progress over the next month before deciding to spend a late-round pick on his replacement.