The race for the Cardinals' closer job lost an entry for more than a week when hard-throwing right-hander Chris Perez was set back by shoulder issues. Perez was held out of two potential assignments and was reduced to playing catch.
"It's something we're certainly going to be careful with," pitching coach Dave Duncan said. "Does it compromise his chances to win a role on our staff? Not at this point. But it's something you pay attention to." Perez underwent a dye injection to determine if he had any structural damage, but none was found.
Last season, in two stints with the Cardinals, Perez had seven saves in 41 games. But this spring right-hander Jason Motte, a hard-throwing former catcher who was impressive late last season when called up, seems to have forged ahead.
"Anyone who's been following what's been going on would notice that among those receiving consideration (to close), Motte has been the most impressive," Duncan said. "There's a ways to go in camp. But that's where it stands for me."
In his first six Grapefruit League appearances this spring, Motte allowed one earned run in six innings while striking out 10 without a walk.
Perez was trying to elevate his arm angle this spring, whereby he could better throw his fastball and slider from the same slot, unlike last season when some perceived he was throwing the two pitches from different slots.
Perez allowed one hit and one earned run in his first five outings but then had an unimpressive outing before being shut down.
It appears six relievers are in contention for five right-handed spots in he bullpen. Kyle McClellan, Josh Kinney, Ryan Franklin and Brad Thompson also are in the mix.
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