Pérez was expected to open the season as the Tigers’ center fielder with Parker Meadows on the IL, but he joined Meadows there because of lumbar spine inflammation that developed over the course of the spring. This move rules him out until late May.

Perez was in line to fill in for Parker Meadows this month before going down with an injury of his own. He’s likely still a couple of weeks away from returning, and depending on how he performs in the minors, it’s possible he’ll be optioned out once his rehab is complete.

Pérez is slated to get a cortisone injection on Friday and will miss at least a month. Manuel Margot will man center field in the meantime since Parker Meadows is also battling an injury; however, Pérez could push for playing time when he comes back if Meadows is still out.

Pérez is slated to miss at least one month due to lumbar spine inflammation. The 25-year-old outfielder’s absence paves the way for Javier Báez and Manuel Margot to take over as Detroit’s primary center fielders with Parker Meadows (arm) sidelined with a nerve-related issue.