Martin Perez is likely headed for the disabled list, and will miss at least one start — and that's a best-case scenario.
The same Perez who strung together 26 straight scoreless innings in April before being torched in his past two outings, presumably because of his elbow inflammation, or at least partly so.
It's just the latest of a season that's been filled with injuries to starting pitchers, dating back to January's fateful fall down the stairs from Derek Holland, who is hoping to return by early June but more likely headed for a July season debut. Matt Harrison and Colby Lewis are still trying to ramp up to being full strength after starting the season on the disabled list, and even Joe Saunders, who was seen as a mere stop-gap, is on a rehab assignment. Oh, and of course, Yu Darvish missed his first start after suffering from a stiff neck.
It just hasn't been a good year for Rangers pitchers, as Perez's injury makes it a rotation full of guys who have dealt with injury at some point this season.
Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said his team's depth and young arms like Nick Martinez and Nick Tepesch have him resting a little easier at night, but added a team's depth can only stretch so far.
"There aren't too many teams that can handle that. Fortunately, if Matt and Colby continue to improve and Derek comes back, we will have veteran stability and we have some young guys like Nick Martinez and Nick Tepesch," Daniels told KESN 103.3. "I like the talent, but there are only so many blows you can take."
If Perez's injury is a signficant one, it could be a nail in the coffin to the Rangers' season. They'll pray it's not.
