Roberto Perez Out 8-12 Weeks Following Thumb Surgery

MAY 6: Perez will miss the next eight to 12 weeks as he recovers from the operation, reports Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer (via Twitter).

MAY 5: Indians catcher Roberto Perez will undergo surgery on his fractured right thumb, the club announced. It’s not yet known how long the procedure and resulting rehab will keep him out.

There had been at least some hope that Perez would avoid surgery, which presumably would have held out the promise of at least a somewhat shorter recovery timetable. Evidently, that was not a viable option, and Indians manager Terry Francona has suggested that there may not be that much of a difference in terms of time missed regardless.

Cleveland certainly will miss Perez’s presence behind Yan Gomes in the catching ranks, though the team was able to acquire Chris Gimenez to fill in. Gomes has continued his offensive lull from 2015, increasing the need for an alternative, though Perez had only received 15 plate appearances thus far. Last year, Perez, was one of the game’s more useful reserve receivers, compiling a .228/.348/.402 batting line in 226 plate appearances while also rating well behind the dish (according to Baseball Prospectus).