Perez will be ready for Opening Series

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Newly signed left-hander Oliver Perez should be ready to pitch if needed on March 22, when the D-backs open the regular season against the Dodgers in Sydney, Australia.

Perez, who was signed by the D-backs on Monday, threw in a simulated game Tuesday and will make his Cactus League debut Thursday against the Mariners.

Perez will also throw an inning on Saturday, as well as in a simulated game in Sydney next week.

"I expect he'll be fine," D-backs manager Kirk Gibson said.

As a reliever who will be used at least initially for very short stints, it should not take Perez a long time to get his arm ready.