How many games will Martin Perez miss

May 10, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers pitching coach Mike Maddux (31) and catcher Robinson Chirinos (61) talk with starting pitcher Martin Perez (33) in the fourth inning of the game against the Boston Red Sox at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

The Texas Rangers have announced that LHP Martin Perez will miss his next start.  They have recalled Nick Tepesch from Triple-A Round Rock to start Wednesday.

Yu Darvish was scheduled Wednesday and instead will pitch on Friday against the Toronto Blue Jays.   There could be other shake ups in the rotation later this week if Robbie Ross Jr isn’t able to make his next start either.

After pitching back-to-back complete games at 109 pitches each, Perez hasn’t been the same.  He struggled against the Athletics, Rockies and again against the Boston Red Sox.

During the Red Sox game on May 10, he was hit hard and often.  He gave up 9 hits and 6 runs over 3.2 innings.  He did manage to strike out 4, but allowed 4 walks.  Shortly after the game it was announced he has soreness his elbow.

There was an MRI preformed Sunday which indicated no structural damage but show inflammation in the elbow.  That was some good news for the Martin Perez and the Texas Rangers, but the MRI did show the inflammation.  They are optimistic he’ll miss only one start, but he is likely heading to the disabled list.

Looking back this is the same injury that caused Tanner Scheppers to land on the disabled list.  He last pitched on April 17 and is just now work scheduled to start throwing bullpen sessions.  It will likely be another 2 weeks before he returns.  That means if Martin Perez’s injury is similar to Tanner Scheppers, he could miss about a month to a month and half (5 to 8 games started).

Hopefully not, but if he does the Texas Rangers do have Nick Martinez to fill in a spot in the starting rotation.  Other options include putting Joe Saunders or Alexi Ogando in the rotation.  Hopefully Martin Perez will be back soon, but at this point, it doesn’t seem likely.