Perez's back tightness has not responded to treatment, leaving his return uncertain; NLDS Game 3 is the earliest possibility. SB Nation says Brent Suter and Ray Kerr may take his innings, but a bullpen-heavy Game 3 could leave the Braves short on pitching for the next game.
Some suggestions cited in the article put Perez's return closer to the NLCS, if Atlanta advances. He had become a useful option after the Braves designated him for assignment earlier in the season, when Atlanta had few effective starters beyond Chris Sale. Suter routinely pitches two or more innings, while Kerr has gone at least three innings in three of his eight appearances.
The author estimates about a 50% chance the initial three-game round will be decided in the Sale and Mahle games. Perez's absence could matter if Atlanta uses most of its pitchers in Game 3 and wins: its next game might bring a difficult pitching situation or require JR Ritchie to get through it.
