June 29, 2005

Perez on DL after kicking laundry cart

PITTSBURGH - The Pittsburgh Pirates put pitcher Oliver Perez on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday, two days after he broke his toe while kicking a laundry cart in the clubhouse in St. Louis.

Perez is the second pitcher to be sidelined for an off-the-field fit in recent days. Texas Rangers pitcher Kenny Rogers broke a bone in his nonpitching hand when he hit a water cooler after he was pulled from a June 17 game against Washington, and will miss at least his next start.

Perez left Sunday's game against the Cardinals trailing 4-3 after six innings, although the Pirates rallied to win 5-4.

Perez is 6-5 this year, but has struggled with his control. He has a 6.16 ERA and has given up 20 home runs. He allowed just 22 home runs all last season, when he finished 12-10 with a 2.98 ERA.

Outfielder Nate McLouth was called up from Indianapolis to fill Perez's roster spot. McLouth was hitting .306 (78-for-255) with 12 doubles, five home runs and 32 RBI for the Triple-A Indians. He also led the team with 23 stolen bases.

No comments: