Indians Chris Perez to Miss WBC with Shoulder Strain

Team USA lost one of its big relievers for the 2013 World Baseball Classic just days before their first game. The Cleveland Indians closer Chris Perez has been forced out of action of the WBC by a right shoulder strain. On Friday it was announced, by the Indians, that Perez suffered a subscapularis strain in his throwing shoulder.

The injury not only takes away his chance to wear the Red, White, and Blue, but also puts his status for Opening Day in jeopardy.

Perez pitched a single inning in a Spring Training game on Tuesday before feeling something in his shoulder. He was scratched from his next appearance.

With Opening Day just a month away, Perez would need to resume throwing in around three weeks in order to give himself a week to prepare for the opener against the Blue Jays on April 2.

If he is unable to return by Opening Day, set up man 2IL;strong>2IL;a target=”_blank” href=”http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/pestavi01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-calltothepen.com”>Vinnie Pestano2IL;/a>2IL;/strong> would assume the closer role until his return. Pestano is already slated to pitch for Team USA, and the Indians do not plan on asking him to remain in camp with Cleveland.

Team USA will need to replace Perez on the roster. They open the WBC in Phoenix against Mexico on Friday March 8.