Martín Pérez Faces Season-Ending Shoulder Injury
The Chicago White Sox have announced a significant setback for veteran pitcher Martín Pérez, who has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to a left shoulder strain. The injury occurred during Wednesday’s matchup against the Baltimore Orioles, raising concerns about his availability for the remainder of the season.
Injury Details and Diagnosis
After Pérez’s outing, where he struggled and ultimately left the game, he indicated that his season might be over. Subsequent MRI results confirmed those fears, revealing a shoulder strain that will sideline him for approximately eight weeks. Manager Will Venable addressed the situation, noting, “He’s going to be done for the season. It is a shoulder strain. Obviously, that pushes him past this season. But I think he did avoid a major injury there where there is plenty of optimism that he’ll rehab and get back to form for next year.”
The White Sox have already begun to adjust their rotation, calling up left-hander Cam Booser from Triple-A to fill Pérez’s spot. Davis Martin is set to start in Friday’s game against the San Diego Padres, with Yoendrys Gomez and Sean Burke scheduled to follow in the weekend series. Venable acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the pitching lineup, stating, “It depends on how these next couple of days go as we get there.”
Pérez’s Performance and Leadership Impact
In his last appearance, Pérez pitched 3.2 innings, allowing five hits and three earned runs. He was visibly concerned about his health after feeling discomfort in the second inning. “I just feel sore. And I don’t want that moment. I’m not going to force anything,” he said. His decision to leave the game was a precautionary measure, aimed at preventing further injury.
This season, Pérez has been a stabilizing force for the White Sox’s pitching staff, showcasing a 3.54 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP over 56 innings. His leadership has been invaluable, especially for a relatively young pitching unit. Venable highlighted Pérez’s influence, saying, “I remember week one… just knowing Martín and the impact he was going to make. He was an incredible leader for us on and off the field.”
Future Considerations for the White Sox
Looking ahead, the White Sox face a critical decision regarding Pérez’s contract. They have a mutual option worth $10 million for the 2026 season, which includes a $1.5 million buyout. Despite the injury, Pérez has expressed a desire to return to the White Sox, a sentiment echoed by general manager Chris Getz. “When he’s taken the ball he’s done a really nice job… We like Martín, we really do and would be happy to have him come back here,” Getz remarked.
As the team navigates this challenging situation, the focus will be on Pérez’s recovery and the potential for his return next season. The White Sox will need to weigh the long-term benefits of keeping him against the immediate challenges posed by his injury. The next few weeks will be pivotal as they assess their options and plan for the future.
