THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
NEW YORK — Struggling pitcher Oliver Perez was placed on the 15-day disabled list Saturday by the New York Mets because of a sudden — and somewhat convenient — injury to his right knee.
The move was made retroactive to Tuesday, and it solved a roster problem for the Mets. Left-hander Jonathon Niese came off the disabled list to start Saturday against Florida, so New York needed to open a spot for him.
By putting Perez on the 15-day DL, the Mets avoided having to send a pitcher to the minors.
In the second year of a US$36 million, three-year contract, Perez lost his spot in the rotation this season and was banished to a mop-up role in the bullpen. The team had hoped he would accept a minor league assignment to work on his troubles, but he had the contractual right to refuse.
Perez arrived at Citi Field on Friday and complained of discomfort in his right knee, the team said. Perez, who underwent surgery on the same knee in September 2009, had an MRI later that night and was diagnosed with patella tendinitis, according to the club. He will begin a rehab stint at the Mets’ complex in Florida and it is not known when he will begin throwing again.
Perez is 0-3 with a 6.28 ERA in 11 appearances, including seven starts. The 28-year-old lefty has allowed 43 hits over 38 2-3 innings with 30 strikeouts and a team-high 33 walks.
New York manager Jerry Manuel said Perez told him Friday that his knee started bothering him after his most recent outing, Monday in San Diego.
Mets place injured Perez on 15-day DL
