Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Fernando Perez is undergoing more tests on his injured left wrist today, and the team doesn't expect to announce anything definitive about his status until Thursday.
Perez is scheduled to have an arthrogram today under the supervision of Doug Carlan, the St. Petersburg-based hand specialist who treated Evan Longoria after the third baseman broke his wrist last August. An arthrogram is a more sophisticated X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging exam in which dye is injected into the problem area before images are taken.
Perez was hurt in the first inning of Tuesday's game against the Toronto Blue Jays in Port Charlotte when he rolled over on his wrist while attempting to make a diving catch. He underwent tests in Port Charlotte and left the Rays' spring training complex early in the evening wearing a brace on his wrist.
Rays executive vice president Andrew Friedman said Tuesday "it's certainly possible" Perez could be sidelined for an extended period of time, but the team wouldn't be sure until all the tests were run.
The 25-year-old, who impressed in a reserve role after being called to the majors for the first time 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.
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