Indians will get Chris Perez back Thursday

Indians closer Chris Perez will be activated from the disabled list Thursday, manager Terry Francona told reporters in Baltimore Wednesday (via cleveland.com).

Perez has been on the DL since May 27 due to a right shoulder strain and also suffered a setback during his rehab. He was set to return this past Friday, but an awful outing during his minor-league rehab assignment caused the Indians to delay his return.

Perez threw a scoreless inning for Class A Mahoning Valley on Tuesday, however, and the Indians seemed pleased enough to bring him back.

"He'll join us Thursday. Chris felt good after Tuesday's appearance," said Francona (via cleveland.com). "The reports were good, as well."

Francona also told reporters that Perez will immediately resume closing duties.

He is 6 for 8 in save chances with a 4.32 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 18 strikeouts in 16 2/3 innings this season. The two-time All-Star had a 0.64 ERA before his last three outings, possibly when he started dealing with the shoulder injury.

Vinnie Pestano was 4 for 4 in save chances with a 3.27 ERA since Perez went on the DL and he'll now return to setup duties.


(cbssports.com)