Chicago White Sox starter Martín Pérez took another step in his attempt to return from a left flexor strain, participating in a live batting practice session.
The left-hander worked the equivalent of two innings before Monday’s series opener against the Philadelphia Phillies at Rate Field.
“I feel healthy,” Pérez said. “No pain at all. And I think that is good, after three months out and we are back and jump on the mound and face hitters — (it) is really good.”
It wasn’t long ago that the odds of Pérez returning this season looked incredibly long.
The veteran, who signed a one-year deal in the offseason, left an April 18 start against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park after three innings with left forearm soreness. He went on the 15-day injured list the next day with left elbow inflammation, and was transferred to the 60-day injured list on April 21 with the updated diagnosis of the left flexor strain.
He was back on the Rate Field mound Monday, facing the likes of Josh Rojas and Michael A. Taylor.
“It was tough to believe in the process,” Pérez said. “That moment you don’t know if you are going to feel good or not. There were a couple of days when I was throwing and I felt it a little bit, but that is part of the rehab. So, coming back from 60 days and (you) start throwing balls again, you are going to feel something. But the good thing is I don’t feel anything (after Monday’s session).
“Was throwing my pitches with everything that I have. Was manipulating my hands really good and everything is good. That’s a good step. Now, it’s time for me to face hitters and get ready to pitch.”
Chicago White Sox pitcher Martín Pérez pitches against the Boston Red Sox at Rate Field on Saturday, April 12, 2025. (Audrey Richardson/Chicago Tribune)
Manager Will Venable described the live bullpen as “great.”
“He looked good,” Venable said. “The velo was in a good spot. He was throwing strikes, command of his stuff, shapes of his stuff looked good. And he came out of it feeling good, which was the most important part.
“Where he’s come from on this journey is awesome and to see him a couple of rehab starts away here from joining us again is amazing.”
Pérez said Monday’s step meant “a lot, man.”
“I want to be back to the rotation,” Pérez said. “I want to be with my teammates, the starters. I want to feel that I’m a part of the team. I was focused on my rehab and trying to do everything and get ready to get to this point. Now, I’m ready and (we will) see what it’s going to be next.”
Pérez, 33, is 1-1 with a 3.15 ERA and 18 strikeouts in four starts. Since the injury, he’s found other ways to aid the club.
“Even when he’s not on the field, having him around, he’s making an impact,” Venable said. “When he’s out there in the bullpen before games, in the dugout during games, in the clubhouse obviously. He’s one of the guys who makes the most impact on our group.
“So as much as we’ve missed him on the field and his performance, having him around has still made a great impact on the group.”
Pérez likes what he’s seen from the Sox as a whole.
“We’re getting better every day,” Pérez said. “We’ve got better pitchers, hitting, defense, offense, everything. Everybody here wants to get better, they are learning and I think we’ve been together all year. I know we are not winning many games but this is not the same team from last year. It’s a different team. I think the second half is different.
“We have a better plan with the pitchers facing hitters and so far we’ve been doing a great job.”
Pérez is doing all he can to join the group.
“Trying to win a couple of games before the season is over,” he said. “Go out there and compete and stay healthy and see what’s going to happen next year.”
Right-hander Shane Smith is also moving in the right direction as he attempts to return from a left ankle sprain.
Smith, who retroactively went on the IL on July 16, threw a bullpen on Monday.
The All-Star plans on being with the Sox during their upcoming road series against the Los Angeles Angels and Seattle Mariners, which begins Friday in Anaheim, Calif., with the expectation that he’ll be activated at some point during the trip.
Originally Published: July 28, 2025 at 6:26 PM CDT