ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Texas Rangers left-hander Martin Perez will complete his return from elbow surgery with his first major league start in more than a year Friday in Houston.
Texas optioned right-handed reliever Roman Mendez to Triple-A Round Rock on Monday, and announced that Perez will be activated off the 60-day disabled for the first game after the All-Star break.
Perez last pitched on May 10, 2014, against Boston. He reported elbow soreness after allowing nine hits and six runs in 3 2-3 innings in an 8-3 loss and had Tommy John surgery less than two weeks later.
The 24-year-old Perez made six rehab starts in the minor leagues, going 0-1 with a 4.56 ERA. He’s 15-13 with a 4.13 ERA in 40 career major league appearances.
Mendez didn’t pitch after getting recalled Saturday.