Braves' Perez hopeful for minimum DL stay

SAN DIEGO -- Williams Perez remains hopeful that he is not dealing with a significant shoulder injury. But because he has continued to feel some discomfort that would have certainly prevented him from making his next start on Sunday, the Braves right-hander will spend at least the next two weeks resting and rehabbing.
The Braves placed Perez on the 15-day disabled list with a right rotator cuff strain and recalled John Gant from Triple-A Gwinnett before Wednesday afternoon's series finale against the Padres at Petco Park.
"It just hasn't calmed down," Braves manager Brian Snitker said of Perez's upper arm discomfort. "He's just going to need time to let things relax."
Perez exited Monday night's start against the Padres in the fifth inning, after feeling some soreness in his right triceps muscle. The 25-year-old pitcher said he is now feeling most of the soreness around his shoulder. He'll be further evaluated in Atlanta.
The Braves will not need to fill Perez's spot in the rotation again until Tuesday. Casey Kelly's candidacy to make that start will depend on how frequently he is needed as a reliever within the next few days.
"I'm hoping the rehab is successful and that by the time the two weeks are up, I'll be feeling good enough to come back," Perez said.

Gant made Atlanta's Opening Day roster and remained on the roster through the season's first six games. He has now been recalled from Gwinnett four times, including twice within the final five days of the current six-game West Coast trip.
Gant will provide some depth to Atlanta's bullpen as a long-relief option. The 23-year-old right-hander has had some success with Gwinnett this year, but he entered play Wednesday having allowed 15 hits and eight earned runs in 11 2/3 innings in the Majors.