The Detroit Tigers are one step closer to getting Wenceel Perez back in the lineup after manager AJ Hinch announced the outfielder will begin a minor league rehab assignment with Triple-A Toledo.
Detroit News beat reporter Chris McCosky shared the update Thursday, marking another milestone in Perez's recovery from the facial fracture that has kept him sidelined since June.
The Tigers fell 4-2 to the Seattle Mariners on Thursday, dropping to 55-59 while remaining fourth in the American League Central. Seattle improved to 56-59 with the series finale victory.
Perez has appeared in 53 games this season, batting .180 with a .246 on-base percentage and a .348 slugging percentage. The 26-year-old has seven home runs, 17 RBIs, four doubles, one triple and three stolen bases while striking out 29 times against 14 walks.
His recovery follows one of baseball's most unusual injuries this season. During a postgame workout in Houston on June 16, a resistance band snapped from its wall anchor and struck Perez beneath his left eye, causing a left orbital fracture.
Doctors confirmed there was no damage to his vision, allowing him to resume baseball activities after spending time on both the 10-day and 60-day injured lists.
Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
The rehab assignment with Triple-A Toledo is expected to help Perez regain timing before returning to Detroit. His progress will be closely monitored as the Tigers continue evaluating their young roster over the final weeks of the season.
A healthy Perez would give Hinch another versatile outfield option after nearly two months away from game action. His return could also affect playing time in Detroit's outfield as the club looks to finish the season on a positive note.
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