Martín Pérez Won’t Need Surgery, But Season Still in Doubt

White Sox left-hander Martín Perez will not need to undergo Tommy John surgery, however, his 2025 season may still be over. 

Pérez was diagnosed with a left forearm strain and is continuing to undergo treatment in his left flexor muscle, according to MLB.com’s Scott Merkin. He sustained the injury during his fourth start of the season, April 18 at Fenway Park.

Pérez only made it through three innings in his last start against the Red Sox, leaving the game with left forearm inflammation after just 52 pitches. He allowed four runs on five hits with a pair of walks and no strikeouts in a 10-3 blowout loss. 

The White Sox later placed him on the 60-day IL. Under that initial timeline, it was feared that Perez could be out until late June. However, ESPN’s Jesse Rogers reports that while the southpaw avoided Tommy John surgery, he likely won’t start throwing again until September, adding that for all practical purposes, his year is over. 

Losing Pérez is a massive blow for the starting rotation. The 34-year-old southpaw was signed to eat innings and be the veteran leader of a young pitching staff.

But early in the season, the former World Series champion gave the White Sox more than they bargained for, quickly establishing himself as one of the team’s most effective hurlers. Through his first four starts, he posted a 1-1 record and 3.15 ERA. He also led White Sox pitchers in innings pitched (22.1), strikeouts (18), WHIP (1.25), and opponent batting average (.197), all without throwing a pitch over 90 mph.