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Perez Could Miss Extended Period

Tribune photo by CHRIS URSO

Perez has gotten most of the work in center field this spring with B.J. Upton's shoulder on the mend.

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By MARC LANCASTER

mlancaster@tampatrib.com

Published: March 10, 2009

Updated: 03/11/2009 12:33 am

PORT CHARLOTTE - The official word from the Rays regarding the left wrist injury Fernando Perez suffered in Tuesday's game was that the team is awaiting more information before discussing specifics.

But given the crestfallen faces of Perez's teammates as they emerged from behind the closed doors that separate the training room from the clubhouse, the news probably isn't going to be positive.

Rays executive vice president Andrew Friedman said Perez will miss at least a week and "it's certainly possible" he'll be out for an extended period. The outfielder left Charlotte Sports Park shortly after the injury occurred in the top of the first inning to undergo tests, and returned later in the afternoon, but Friedman said the team wanted to run the results by its doctors in St. Petersburg before making a definitive statement.

"The early prognosis is it certainly could have been a lot worse," Friedman said, "but I'm reticent to give a lot more than that until we have a firm opinion from our team doctor and are able to talk about it with multiple people. We'll have a lot more today."

Perez hurt his wrist attempting to make a diving catch on a looping ball off the bat of the Blue Jays' Travis Snider. Perez's body rolled over the wrist and he ended up on his knees, motionless, facing away from the infield, before eventually rising to his feet and walking slowly off the field through the gate in the outfield fence.

Indications were Perez didn't suffer a fracture, but damage to ligaments or tendons could potentially be just as serious, if not more so. Perez departed the complex around 5:15 p.m., his wrist encased in a brace.

The 25-year-old, who impressed in a reserve role after being called to the majors for the first time last Aug. 31, was no lock to make the Opening Day roster before the injury. His status likely was dependent on B.J. Upton's return from shoulder surgery, with Perez the likely replacement if Upton isn't deemed ready to open the season.

If Perez is sidelined for a while and Upton opens the season on the disabled list, Justin Ruggiano would seem to be best positioned to earn a roster spot as an extra outfielder, and Gabe Kapler likely would receive the bulk of the time in center field.

Reporter Marc Lancaster can be reached at (813) 259-7227.

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