Perez passes on Tommy John, will rehab elbow injury

TORONTO -- Blue Jays left-handed reliever Juan Perez has opted not to undergo Tommy John surgery and will instead attempt to rehab his left elbow injury.

The veteran reliever suffered a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament during an outing against Oakland on Aug. 9. The belief was that he would require surgery, but he's opted for rest and will see how the ligament responds in approximately eight weeks.

The decision does make some sense considering Perez will turn 35 in September and Tommy John surgery would likely keep him out all of next season. That would put his career in serious jeopardy, but if he can avoid the procedure, it would give Perez an opportunity to possibly compete for a job next spring.

Perez was a journeyman pitcher who appeared in parts of four seasons in the big leagues before finding a home in Toronto. He responded by posting a 3.69 ERA in 31 2/3 innings.