WASHINGTON -- Oliver Perez's temper has landed him on
the disabled list.
On Tuesday, the Pittsburgh Pirates placed their ace lefthander
on the 15-day DL with a broken left big toe, which was suffered
when he kicked a laundry cart in the clubhouse following his
start against St. Louis on Sunday.
Perez is the second pitcher to be sidelined for an off-the-field
fit in recent days. Texas Rangers pitcher Kenny Rogers broke a bone
in his nonpitching hand when he hit a water cooler after he was
pulled from a June 17 game against Washington, and will miss at
least his next start.
The 23-year-old Perez allowed four runs, seven hits and a season
high-tying five walks in six innings against the Cardinals in a
game the Pirates eventually won in 10 innings.
It has been a frustrating season for Perez, who has posted a
6.16 ERA in 15 starts after ranking sixth in the National League
with a 2.98 ERA in 30 starts last year. Despite allowing at
least four earned runs eight times, Perez has a record of 6-5.
Perez, whose 239 strikeouts last season were fourth in the NL
and the third-highest total in team history, has 81 strikeouts
in 83 1/3 innings this year.
Acquired along with 2004 NL Rookie of the Year Jason Bay in the
deal that sent outfielder Brian Giles to San Diego in 2003,
Perez is 26-30 with a 4.25 ERA in 85 career outings, including
84 starts.
To replace Perez on their active roster, the Pirates recalled
outfielder Nate McLouth from Class AAA Indianapolis of the
International League. McLouth was hitting .306 with five
homers, 32 RBI and 23 stolen bases with Indianapolis this
season.
Information from The Associated Press and SportsTicker was used in this report.